University commemorates anniversary of 9/11

By Megan Bowers, For The Miami Student

Fourteen years later, Miami University is coming together to remember those who suffered in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Several clubs on campus will be hosting events, including the 9/11 Memorial Run and the Memorial Throw.

"Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th," said former President George W. Bush shortly after the attacks. "We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children."

The value of remembering all those affected seems to resonate with many people at Miami and is one of the driving factors in planning the memorial events that take place every year.

Beginning in 2010, the 9/11 Memorial Run, organized by The Arnold Air Society, is an event that has become a tradition for many Miami students.

"It makes me so happy to see people with all different backgrounds, career aspirations, ethnicities and campus involvements come together to share in the pride of our country and remember such a tragic day in our nation's history," said senior member Alysse Illig.

The Memorial Run involves running 2,977 laps around the flagpole at Millett Hall, one lap for every life lost on 9/11. It has become bigger every year and is a great way to unify campus and the surrounding communities. It garners support from all the Armed Forces ROTC programs on campus as well as many of the Miami sports teams.

However, the event is not limited to on-campus organizations. Miami students often come to reflect privately and students all the way from the University of Cincinnati's Air Force ROTC have come to pay their respects in past years.

Across campus, on Central Quad, the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity will also be hosting an event to raise awareness about what occurred on 9/11 and honor the victims.

One of the fraternity brothers, Jalen Brown, explained that, every year, they choose a sport and an action to represent the lives lost.

This year they chose football and will be hosting a Memorial Throw that involves throwing the football one yard for every life lost on 9/11. During the event, they will also try to share facts about what actually happened in the terrorist attacks.

"The Memorial Throw really gives individuals a chance to share in space and remember the people who lost their lives," Brown said.

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As the anniversary draws near, senior James Winton, Squadron Commander of the Arnold Air Society, said it will become more challenging to remember the heartbreak everyone experienced 14 years ago.

"As a country, we can do nothing to change what happened or save the lives that were lost," Winton said. "Therefore it is our duty to remember them and keep their stories alive."