Tech Community Remembers 9/11

Thirteen years ago, our nation experienced a series of events that arguably shook it completely off its axis. Even though time has passed and society has changed, several organizations made sure the Texas Tech University community did not forget September 11 this year.

James Price salutes the flag at half-mast.

James Price salutes the flag at half-mast.

Early Thursday morning, Tech’s chapter of the Young Conservatives of Texas, or YCT, placed 3,000 small American flags in the ground in remembrance of every life lost in the terrorist attack. The miniature flags were arranged in the shape of ‘9-11’ and placed directly in front of Memorial Circle.

Combined with the three flags at Memorial Circle at half- mast, and storm clouds rolling in overhead, the memorial was a heavy sight to see. Hosting the memorial is a yearly tradition for the Tech YCT chapter, and a privilege they hold in the highest regard.

YCT Chairman Prince Phwitiko spoke of the importance of having an annual memorial event.

“It just shows not only as a country but as a campus, we are all united and indivisible,” the junior political science major said. “No matter what separates us in our lives, we can always come together for events like this. It’s really an honor just to do this whole event.”

Alex Price helps arrange the miniature flags.

Alex Price helps arrange the miniature flags.

Members of YCT meticulously made sure that the memorial was perfect and tastefully done in order to show the utmost respect to the victims of that tragic day.

“We must never allow the memory of those who have fallen and the blood they have spilled to be in vain,” Tech YCT Vice Chairman Alex Wommack said. “We must always make sure that they did not die for nothing.”

YCT member and Purple Heart recipient, James Price, saluted the flag at exactly 8:46 a.m. for about five minutes. Price, who served in Iraq from 2009-10, said 9/11 is always a difficult day for him personally.

“It’s a very emotional day for me because it’s one of the worst days in the history of the United States,” the former sergeant said.

In what was an incredibly moving sight, Price and the YCT officers saluted the flag in a moment of silence. Members also repeatedly told passing students to “have a patriotic day!”

Despite the dreary, rainy day, the efforts to remember 9/11 and honor all of the lives taken 13 years ago did not stop at the Young Conservatives’ memorial that morning.

At noon, Tech held its own memorial, which moved last-minute to the Student Union Ballroom because of the rain. President Nellis and other Tech officials spoke at a special commencement ceremony, honoring and remembering the day.

5k participants begin their run around campus.

5k participants begin their run around campus.

By Thursday evening, the rain stopped and clouds cleared. What started out as a gloomy day, reflecting the somber anniversary of lives lost, turned into a beautiful, sunny afternoon – much to the relief of Lubbock’s chapter of Team Red, White, and Blue.

The nonprofit veteran organization hosted a 5k flag run at 6 p.m., which took place outside of Tech’s recreation center. After a serenade of the national anthem and a few moments of silence, the runners, who consisted of veterans, faculty, families and more, took off running down the track holding their American flags.

Phillip Barnes, a member of RWB, said 80 people signed up for the 5k, but because of the rain earlier in the day, a lot of people didn’t end up making it.

memorial21200Barnes, a military veteran himself, could not run with the rest due to a knee injury, but he said he wanted to be there to remember the day and support the runners, even though he had to sit out.

Much earlier that morning, YCT members expressed their personal optimism for the future of our country, as well as satisfaction with the university’s various events and efforts to remember 9/11.

“Tech has overall done a pretty good job,” Price said. “Tech is a very patriotic school. They really do care about our country and our military, 100-percent.”

About Nicole Crites and Ali Holdridge