September 11th, 2016 marks the fifteenth anniversary of the worst terror attack on American soil. There are freshmen in high school who were not alive when the world stopped turning that day. College students, like myself, who were only beginning their elementary educations. Some men and women were at the first day of work or maybe their last day. For many, it started out just a normal day. By the end of the day, we all knew it was anything but normal.

Fifteen years have passed, and our country seems to be so divided, but on September 11th, we put differences aside and come together to remember. College campuses should not be an exception to this rule. Just because you are busy with classes does not mean you are too busy to remember 9/11. Here are three easy ways to do it on your campus, no matter how big or small.

1) The 9/11 Never Forget Project

2,996 people lost their life on 9/11.  Young America’s Foundation’s 9/11 Never Forget Project works to put that number into perspective each year. Displays are set up on college campuses around the country with one flag representing each life lost on September 11th, 2001. The memorial is poignant, touching, and simple to construct. This year, the 15th anniversary, will be an extra special year to put together the memorial, or visit one at a campus near you. So may college students were young or unaware of the attacks when they occurred.  This project gives them an idea of just how great the loss was on that day.

2) Attend a memorial service

Many colleges will do something in memory of the September 11th attacks, especially on the 15th anniversary. This year, September 11th falls on a Sunday.  There will likely be memorial components worked into typical church services, no matter your religious affiliation. In the past, campuses have worked with ROTC and other armed service groups on campus to hold memorial services.  In addition, there are formal discussions about how we are all still affected by that day, and other similar events. If your university hasn’t already publicized a 9/11 remembrance event, reach out to the administration to make sure something is in place.

3) Screen a related documentary

Campus organizations, like the College Republicans, Young America’s Foundation, Libertarians R Us, or whatever group you associate with, are known for events that bring students together.  Get a group together to commemorate together. A great way to do this is to screen a documentary. There are a lot of great documentaries out there that highlight the innocent lives lost on that day and the extraordinary efforts taken by search and rescue people. One of my favorite 9/11 related videos was shown at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.  It interviews journalists that were on the scene when the Towers collapsed and how they covered the most horrific terrorist attack in US history as it was happening. 

How will you remember 9/11 this year? Today we honor and remember the 2,996 innocent lives lost on that day.

Aryssa D

FFL Cabinet Member

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