WKU students reflect at ALIVE Center’s ‘We Remember 9/11’

Amanda Young

The WKU ALIVE Center memorialized those who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks on Saturday through an event called “We Remember 9/11.”

The “We Remember” event is a branch off of 9/11 day, a day of service through good deeds, volunteerism and other charitable acts as a way of tribute, said Aurelia Spaulding, communications and marketing coordinator for ALIVE.

ALIVE set up a tent on South Lawn before Saturday’s football game against Navy to offer students free food and a chance to pay tribute the 9/11 attacks one decade after the tragedy.

Participants also had the opportunity to sign an “I Will” pledge, which asked students to “remember, reflect and serve” in remembrance of Sept. 11, much like the 9/11 day of service.

Along with signing the pledge, there was a remembrance banner available for students to sign with their thoughts about the attacks and how it affected them.

“We had countless campus and community members sign the banner,” Spaulding said. She estimates 200 people stopped by the tent throughout the day.

The banner is now displayed in Downing University Center.

Thank you cards were available to sign for the service men and women fighting overseas.

“I saw a few parents talk to their children about 9/11 as they made thank you cards for the soldiers,” Spaulding said.

The center accepted donations of towels, washcloths, duct tape, emergency whistles, blankets and other items to make disaster preparedness kits for seniors in the area, Spaulding said.

Though the disaster preparedness kits were not as successful as the other campaigns, Spaulding was happy to report that many people contributed to the Division of Extended Learning and Outreach’s collection of items for our troops.

“I, personally, am glad to be a part of a university that wants to encourage others and join efforts to serve and provide opportunities for meaningful service whenever possible,” Spaulding said after the event.