Remembering the tragedy of September 11th was focused not on the tears and sorrow, but on the celebration of life with a bounce house and pizza on the University Green on Tuesday.
The commemoration event was co-sponsored by UPB with the Men in Education Association. According to Men in Education's Vice President Patrick Crouch, the groups wanted to focus on celebrating the lives of those affected by September 11th instead of emphasizing grief and sadness.
"We collaborated and came up with [the idea that] we wanted to celebrate the day instead of crying or having sorrow," Crouch said. "[We wanted to] celebrate the lives of that day so we were like, 'Let's have a bounce house.' Then we had the sheet idea so everyone could sign where they were and their thoughts on that day."
A white sheet was spread across a table at the event with markers where people could stop and write their memories and thoughts about the tragedy that happened 11 years ago.
"I really like that we have a sign that says 'Where were you on that day?' to help remember where were you, what grade were you in, how things were handled [and] how everybody was acting," Crouch said. "It's a good thing for people to share their thoughts and emotions."
Freshman Brayden Hamilton was especially moved by signing the sheet to write his thoughts about September 11th. Hamilton said he originally stopped at the event because he saw a bounce house and pizza, but he wound up writing about his memories.
"[The best part] is probably signing the big flag and saying where I was during September 11th," Hamilton said. "[I] also talked to other people up there about what their thoughts were. 9/11 is just sort of sad. I was young, so I don't really remember much. But it's just a sad memory."
The event meant a lot to freshman Ernie Wayne who knows someone personally affected by September 11th.
"I have a friend whose uncle died in 9/11," Wayne said. "He was out there and died, and I went to school with [the kid]. I appreciate that people actually took time out their days to give memorial to something so important. It seems like these days people don't care about that kind of stuff, but this shows that people still do."
Crouch said that Men in Education is a new club, so this is their first event to host on campus as an organization.
Crouch said that he thinks it's important to continue to have events like this so the day is always remembered and people have an opportunity to share their thoughts with others.
"It's a major tragedy in our history but I think it's something that can unite all of us together to share the lives that we lost and have this never have to happen again," Crouch said. "[We need] to build the country and remember the times that we had and the lives that were lost."
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