Thirteen years ago today, America was struck by a tragedy that changed the nation forever. The memories may be painful, but that doesn’t stop Americans from proving each year that they won’t forget.

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Today countless memorials will be held, speeches will be given, friends will be remembered and tears will be shed as Americans look back at Sept. 11, 2001.

At Grand Valley State University students set up a small memorial to remember the lives of those that were lost that day. American flags will be set up near the Kirkhof center, 2,977 of them. Each flag represents a life that was lost in the attack. To go along with this, a banner will be on display showing all the names of those who lost their lives.

“It’s a nice way for students, in a small way, to think of the victims,” said Maddie Cleghorn, the vice president for external relations on the Student Senate.

Student Senate, along with Young Americans for Freedom and College Republicans, are sponsoring the memorial.

The scope of the memorial is larger this year as there will also be a similar display in the courtyard of the DeVos Center at the Pew Campus, doubling the scale of the project. However, the expansion has not been easy.

“One thing that is difficult is finding volunteers to help set up downtown,” Cleghorn said. 

She feels students should volunteer to place the flags not just because it’s something people want to see, but because the act itself can be beneficial.

“To physically put those flags down makes it mean more to you,” she said. “It brings good memories to a day that can be really rough.”

This year the memorial has about 30 volunteers. Students are encouraged to volunteer next year and the Student Senate is always eager to hear new ideas for further expansion.

“Anyone is welcome to come and speak at Student Senate on what they think we should do for next year,” Cleghorn said.

She added that the aim of the display is not to bring up hurtful memories, but rather to remember those who lost their lives in a respectful, constructive manner.

“I don’t want people to feel sad, just somber while remembering the day,” she said.

She hopes the memorial will create dialogue among students, though it is not always easy.

“It is easy when in college to get lost in our own bubbles, but it’s so key to keep a global mindset,” Cleghorn said.

Benjamin Soltis, the chairman for Young Americans for Freedom, said with recent terrorist activities in the news, it is important to keep a watchful eye out for what may happen throughout the world.

“There are always terrorist attacks, so we like to keep people informed so we can protect lives,” he said. “It shouldn’t be about politics, but keeping people informed so we can protect lives.”

For Cleghorn, the commemoration of the Sept. 11 attacks is a reminder to stay informed and culturally aware.

“Take a little time to read the news, and don’t make generalizations based on stereotypes and race and culture,” Cleghorn said. “Bring it into daily conversation.”

Soltis said the volunteers involved in the memorial come from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds.

The Sept. 11 memorial was put up between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. this morning and will remain standing until 8 p.m. tonight.