A day of remembrance
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Students pay tribute with 9/11 memorial
Each American flag represented one life lost in the tragedy. Photo credit: RJ Goodwin
More than 10 years have passed since Americans were stopped in their tracks, horrified by the news of the terror attacks that took place Sept. 11, 2001. On Thursday, the 13th anniversary of that tragic day, millions of people across the nation chose to “never forget” those who were lost, and Liberty University was no exception.
Visitors posted prayers on the cross to honor those who died on 9/11. Photo credit: RJ Goodwin
A memorial of 2,977 American flags — one for every life lost on 9/11 — filled the lawn in front of the Jerry Falwell Library Thursday. In the middle of the flags sat a wooden cross, filled with prayers for those affected by the attacks 13 years ago.
The memorial was a special project completed by Young Americans for Freedom, a Liberty club and chapter of national parent organization Young Americans Foundation. According to Liberty junior Katrina Lautenschlager, president of Young Americans for Freedom, leaders of the club began setting up the flags at 6 a.m. and were later joined by club members as well as ROTC students. Only two hours after they started, all the flags were planted in the ground, the cross set up in the center.
While the flags’ meanings were more easily understood, Lautenschlager said the cross was meant to be more than just an encouraging symbol.
Student stops to remember those lost in the terror attacks. Photo credit: RJ Goodwin
“The purpose of the cross is really to remind students that even in the midst of all this tragedy and evil … and all this unnecessary loss of innocent life, still to keep Christ centered and focus on Christ and praying to him, to remind students that God’s still there,” Lautenschlager said.
According to Lautenschlager, thousands of Liberty students and staff, as well as members of the Lynchburg community, stopped by the memorial to pay tribute, some taking pictures while others prayed or wrote notes to hang on the cross.
One student that stopped by was extremely grateful for the memorial, as he was directly affected by the tragedy that took place 13 years ago. According to Lautenschlager, the student lost his father on that day.
“He was so touched personally that we put in the effort to make this day recognized,” Lautenschlager said. “That alone makes this totally worth it.”
Sophomore David Paul also took a few minutes to pay tribute to those affected by 9/11.
Prayers for those affected adorn the simple, wooden cross. Photo credit: RJ Goodwin
“I remember where I was when this happened,” Paul said. “… I just remember being very much in shock, but not really knowing what to think at that age. As time has gone on though, my respect for this day and for people who have suffered because of this event has grown. … When I see this (memorial), I’m quieted. I’m thoughtful. … It causes me to reflect and pray that we will not forget this, because the moment we forget this, that is when we … dishonor the people who died on this day and even those who sacrificed themselves on this day.”
Paul also said he was grateful for the effort of the members of Young Americans for Freedom in setting up the memorial.
“It makes me feel proud of my country that we have chosen not to forget,” Paul said. “And it makes me proud to go to a school that doesn’t just go on with the daily business, but sets up and has something set up like this that students can walk by and remember.”