Students to honor 9/11 victims at time of attack

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By Anyssa Roberts | Assistant News Editor

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UK Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC cadets are holding a standing vigil to remember those who died from the terrorist attack on Septmeber 11, 2001, and to pay tribute to the families that continue to mourn.

Twelve years ago Wednesday, nearly 3,000 people died when American Airlines Flights 11 and 77, and United Airlines Flights 175 and 93 were hijacked and crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a field near Shanksville, Pa.

At 8:46 a.m. on Wednesday, the same time the first plane hit the World Trade Center, cadets will raise the colors to half-mast in front of Main Building in respect to those affected by the events of 9/11.

Members of the ROTC placed flags across the lawn in front of the Main Building on Tuesday evening to remember those killed during the attacks.

During the vigil, cadets will read the names of each 9/11 victim as well as the names of soldiers who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Cadet Jennifer Ward of the Pershing Rifles, a branch of the ROTC programs, headed the preparation for the memorial.

Ward said while the memory of 9/11 still exists in many minds, it is not as decorated as it was before.

“I think a lot of people remember the day, but not a lot of people give reverence to the day like we used to, and that’s one thing we want to uphold on this campus,” she said.

When students see the memorial taking place, Ward said she wants to feel a sense of pride and awareness of the sacrifices being made by those who fight for American freedom.

“I want to make sure the soldiers who have died get the proper respect.”