Thirteen years ago, 2,977 people lost their lives during a terrorist attack in New York City, Washington, D.C. and rural Pennsylvania.
Penn State University students remembered the victims Thursday, including first responders who gave up their lives to save others on Sept. 11, 2001.
Sponsored by the Penn State College Republicans, roughly 75 people gathered outside of Old Main to observe the ceremony that included keynote speaker state Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, R-Centre County.
Benninghoff says when terrorists hit the World Trade Center they “hit at the heart of the American economy to try and send us a message and we sent them a message, ‘we’re not going to be broken.’”
Sept. 11 is an opportunity to mourn those lost, honor first responders who risk their lives for others, and celebrate freedom, says Benninghoff.
The lawmaker also noted that many of the students in attendance were just small children when the attacks occurred. And he issued a challenge to those students, asking what they want their country to look like and what do they want to leave for their children. He challenged students to consider giving back to their country by volunteering at a local fire company or joining the military.
He also says students can make a difference in their daily choices, like when students chose to celebrate peacefully in State College earlier this week after the NCAA say Penn State football is eligible for bowl games.
“Peace starts here,” Benninghoff says.
Benninghoff also asked attendees to take a few minutes to talk about 9/11 at dinner tonight, whether dining with family or friends.
“We don’t want to forget those who lost their lives,” he says.
The event was part of the Young America’s Foundation “Never Forget Project” started in 2003, which is intended to encourage college campuses to hold 9/11 remembrance ceremonies.
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