Students, faculty, service members and members of the community gathered outside of the Lehman Memorial Library at 8:45 a.m. on Thursday to attend a memorial ceremony for the lost lives during the Sept. 11 attacks and the conflicts that followed.

Throughout the early morning, the Old Main bell rang four times to signify the time each plane went down during the attacks.

Thursday morning’s memorial began with an opening statement from the Director of Academic Entry Alex Karlheim, which was then followed by remarks from ROTC Cadet Aidan Brenize, Student Veterans Association President Connor Harig and University President Charles Patterson.

According to Karlheim, she worked with cadet and Student Trustee Member Colin Arnold throughout the summer to design the memorial.

Brenize, who serves as the current cadet battalion commander of the Raider Battalion, spoke from the perspective of not having lived through the events of Sept. 11. According to Brenize, events like Thursday morning’s ceremony help keep the memories of that day alive for future generations.

“Events like this, being here on the quad, no matter how big or small they are, are so vitally important to our country and communities,” Brenize said. “Today, this event is a reminder for those who were alive and for those like me who weren’t that the events of Sept. 11, 2001, should never be forgotten.”

Harig reflected on the dedication of the men and women who served in the armed forces following the attacks.

“Although many of us did not live through the events of 9/11, the days and years that followed still impacted us,” Harig said. “The men and women who attended to their duties to defend this great nation are an example of who we should all strive to be.”

Patterson followed up sharing his own experiences during the attacks. 

“The feelings that resonated with me shortly after that time, in due time, were pride, unity and strength,” said Patterson.

Patterson continued, speaking on the strength that Americans have exhibited following moments of tragedy throughout history. 

“Our hope is to truly remember that we all encompass the American spirit. It’s that spirit, most often seen in the face of tragedy, that we should strive to live by every day of our lives,” said Patterson.

Karlheim provided the closing remarks with her own personal experiences on Sept. 11 and recognition to those who gave their lives to their country during and after the attacks.

“We learned at a young age that heroes don’t wear capes, they wear turnout gear, carry radios, run toward the danger when everyone else is running away and they hear the call to protect our country and put their lives on the line to safeguard our freedom,” Karlheim said.

After each speaker had given their thoughts, attendees joined in a moment of silent reflection followed by a prayer by Professor Ford Brooks. As the memorial concluded, a member of the marching band performed Taps.

For what Thursday morning’s event may look like in future years, Karlheim said that there may be plans to offer the memorial yearly, especially as the campus has an active SVA.

The memorial ceremony ended at 9 a.m., shortly before the Old Main bell rang a second time, representing the time when United Airlines Flight 175 went down in the second attack on Sept. 11.

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