Students - most not born when the Sept. 11, 2011 terrorist attacks occurred - planted American flags on the University Lawn Monday for each of the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the horrific events.
The students made their way through the morning dew to plant the flags in the shadow of Garvey Hall and The Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center. The campus chapter of the student organization Young Americans for Freedom has spearheaded the memorial for the last three years.
Diaz, a 21-year-old politics and business senior, said the yearly tradition is part of the “9-11 Never Forget Project.” He wasn’t born yet when the attacks happened but wants to be sure people understand what happened and why it matters.
“We like to help the students understand the impact of it,” Diaz said. “Looking at the size of the field here and the number of flags planted here, it gives them an idea of the human cost of September 11, 2001.”
Diaz said that while his student organization led the effort, students from across the campus participated in planting the flags.
“Without the University community, we wouldn’t be able to do any of this,” Diaz said. “The students out here made it possible.”