GVSU will pause in honor of 9/11 victims

Chelsea Lane

Grand Valley State University will pause Saturday morning to remember those lost in the events of Sept. 11, 2001. About 2,977 people from more than 90 countries were killed and more than 6,000 were injured on 9/11.

At 8:45 a.m., “Taps” will be played near the arboretum to commemorate the first plane crash at the World Trade Center. A second performance of “Taps” will begin at 9 a.m. to mark the time of the second WTC plane crash. Student senate placed approximately 2,800 flags in the arboretum Thursday as a memorial to the attack victims.

“It’s very subtle,” said Erica Bush, student senate vice president of political affairs. “It’s for students who are around campus and just want to take a moment to remember anyone lost.”

In addition to the flags, there is also a permanent memorial area in the arboretum for the 9/11 victims, which was placed shortly after the attacks in 2001.

“I would just encourage students to come sit there, even if there aren’t any flags, to pause and reflect on the victims and how America has changed so much since that day,” Bush said.

Tomorrow night’s home football game will also feature what Bush called a “very patriotic program” which will include a moment of silence and a large wreath adorning the flag pole by Lubbers Field in honor of the victims.

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