Eight years ago today, nearly three thousand lives - the majority of which were civilians - were taken in a despicable act of terrorism.
It is likely a day that will not be forgotten by anyone who witnessed the events unfold, or the countless lives that were affected by the tragedy. It is a day in which all Americans, regardless of race, sex, religion, or politics, join in solidarity for the victims of what many consider to be the darkest day in American history.
Just as Washington, D.C. and New York City host formal ceremonies in remembrance of those lost, students from colleges and universities all over America take part in the 9/11 Never Forget Project. Co-sponsored by the Young America's Foundation, the Project's goal is to publicly display thousands of American flags - one for each victim of the attack. I had a chance to partake in the event at Florida State University.
"It's great that, amidst all the political divisiveness, we can get everyone out here to rally behind something that means a lot to all Americans." said Florida State's Richard Keeth.
Richard is the Director of the Institute for Conservative Studies, a student think-tank at Florida State University that has headed the project for a number of years. This year, the group has teamed with campus organizations such as the FSU College Republicans and the Greek community, to make the memorial possible.
"It really puts it into perspective, how many people were killed, when you seen just how many flags there are," said FSU student Leandro Perez. "It's certainly a sobering moment when you first walk up and see the display."
The students arrived on Florida State's Landis Green at 5:30AM to begin planting the flags. They will remain on display for the remainder of the day.
