Shine on

Students pay tribute to Sept. 11 victims for last time at JMU

Evin Shoap senior photographer Students light candles to remember September 11, 2001, victims at the on-campus memorial.

About 150 students attended the wreath-laying ceremony and candlelight vigil Saturday evening to remember Sept. 11, 2001.

This was the last year that the Student Government Association will hold events in remembrance of the terrorist attacks three years ago.

"This year’s senior class is the last class that was here at JMU on that date," Student Body President Tom Culligan said. "It was the first time as freshmen we truly felt all together one … and today we gather to rejoin and recommit ourselves to the unity we felt on that day."

The ceremony lasted about 30 minutes and included speeches from President Linwood Rose and Culligan. It opened with the National Anthem and then a wreath was laid on the memorial for the alumni and JMU parent victims of the Sept. 11 attacks. The memorial is located between Leeolou Alumni Center and the College Center.

Also included in the event was a candlelight vigil. Students lit candles while "Taps" was played and then senior Krissy Schnebel sang "God Bless America". Students also were given the chance to leave personal notes and flowers by the memorial.

"I came to show my respect and [to show] that we still remember," junior Jill Munas said.

Culligan said SGA raised about $200 from donations they received on the commons, while handing out memorial ribbons during the day last Thursday and Friday.

"Who could have know in [the senior’s] freshmen year the word terrorism would be introduced into our everyday language," Rose said.

"Today you can’t pick up a paper or turn on the news without hearing the word … We don’t forget, but we fill our lives and our thoughts with aspirations for another day."