The Bryan-College Station area was alive this Sunday with memorials commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Early Sunday morning, the Corps of Cadets held a wreath laying ceremony at the Freedom from Terrorism Memorial, a monument dedicated to Aggies who have given their lives fighting terrorism and those still serving overseas.
“The ceremony holds in our mind the notion that Americans will never forget the vulnerability and resolve that gripped the nation 10 years ago,” said Andrew Howerton, a senior international studies major.
Taha Jangda, junior psychology major, was one of five members of the Muslim Student Association who joined the Corps to observe the anniversary.
“As Americans, we were all attacked on 9/11,” Jangda said. “I was honored to be a part of the wreath ceremony today. It was a humbling experience to come together and pay respects to all of the victims and emergency responders. It is imperative also to recognize all of those who are out there putting their lives on the line every day for us to enjoy our freedom.”
The Bryan Fire Department honored the New York City firefighters who perished in the Twin Towers with a ceremonial stairwell climbing.
According to Bryan Fire Lt. Todd Mack, more than 30 Bryan firefighters and three College Station firefighters adorned fire gear and climbed the equivalent of 105 floors, representing the height of the Twin Towers.
Before the ceremony began, firefighters from both cities observed a moment of silence.
“On September 11, 2001, at 9:59 am, the south tower of the World Trade Center collapsed,” the fire dispatch said. “All police, fire and EMS companies are asked to observe a moment of silence in memory of all who lost their lives that day.”
Mack said the climb made him aware of how incredible it was that the firefighters were able to make the amount of progress they did. Many of the first responders reached higher than the 70th floor that day.
“It proved how hard it was, and you realize what they went through,” said Mack. “It was physicallyexhausting.”
The First Presbyterian Church of Bryan also hosted its own memorial, with an interfaith remembrance and peace service.
Ted Foote, pastor of First Presbyterian, said the service drew more than 400 guests and included musicians and religious leaders from different backgrounds, including Protestant, Roman Catholic, Christian Science, Unitarian, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu faiths.
Foote emphasized the attention paid to creating a respectful and diverse ceremony.
“A lot of people were willing to step up and participate,” said Foote. “People felt good about the service, it was quite moving. To have the participation of various cultures, with a large turnout from the Muslim community, was very significant.”
One of the most visual memorials was the fourth annual posting of U.S. flags, located in the Academic Plaza.
Organized by the Texas Aggie Conservatives, the event was intended to focus not only on those who died in the attack, but also the armed forces personnel who have given their lives and those currently serving overseas.
“It’s certainly very emotional for many students,” said Justin Pulliam, an officer in the Texas Aggie Conservatives. “Many people have close ties to the 9/11 attacks.”