9/11 Remembered with Campus Memorial

By: Kaitlyn Stephens and Deema Tarazi

September 11, 2001 will forever be ingrained in the minds of United States citizens. Most people remember this date clearly, and it will stick with them for the rest of their life, especially the ones who lost loved ones. We even remember where we were and what we were doing when the planes hit the twin towers, regardless of age or world-view. This year, for the eighth anniversary, The College Republicans spray-painted the rock as they do every year.

The rock was painted in red, white, and blue. The rock read “Never Forget 9/11,” on one side. In rows behind the rocks, were American flags to represent each victim who was tragically killed in the 9/11 attacks.

The event was sponsored by the MSU College Republicans, however, there was no indication of the sponsorship near the rock. This was a deliberate move by the College Republicans. “We wanted this event to be non-partisan and for everybody to come together as Americans, not republicans or democrats,” said MSU College Republican Vice-Chair Ashley Towner.

Many people were passing by the memorial, merely walking to their classes. However, there were a few people who stopped by the memorial to take pictures, one was Hannah, a freshman who noticed the memorial on her way to class, said “We are still in a war, people die every day. [The attacks] happened eight years ago, but the war still affects our society.”

Another man was taking pictures of the memorial for a project to show all of the various uses and paint schemes that occur throughout the year at the rock. This same man remembered the first memorial that was conducted eight years ago. He explained that when 9/11 happened, College Republicans came out right away and spray-painted the rock. Out of respect for the people who passed away, the University asked other organizations to not spray over this memorial for a week.

Outside of those who took pictures and stopped by on their way to class to view the memorial, many people also slowed down in their cars to glance at the rock.

The memorial is very beautiful and moving. The colors of the American flag are always inspirational, especially on a day of remembrance. Hopefully Americans will continue to remember the tragic events of 9/11 and continue to preserve their sentiments. Just as it was used in the past to unite the students of this university, the people of Michigan, and Americans across the country, it will hopefully continue to have the same effect and continue to unite us as Americans.