Poltical organizations mark 9/11 anniversary
Senior Brianna Dunn places flags on Carnahan Quadrangle early Friday morning as a part of the College Republican's Sept. 11 memorial. Each American flag represented a lost American life during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Campus political groups tossed aside partisanship on Friday and banned together in support of troops and remembrance of Sept. 11.
“It’s important to remember the people that were lost that day. It’s an important event of our lives that really changed everything in history.” College Democrats Secretary Douglas Cowing said.
On the eight-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the MU College Republicans placed hundreds on small United States flags on the Mel Carnahan quad.
MU College Republicans Chairman Brett Dinkins said it was important to remember this day.
“It’s the first time in our country where we have seen a full fledged terrorist attack on our home soil.” College Dinkins said. “Too often it’s overlooked for exactly what it means. We were not nearly as secure, or protected, or respected around the world.”
In front of the flags on the quad stood a sign that read, “9-11, Never Forget” There was no advertisement or logo for the College Republicans.
Dinkins expressed frustration with the lack of remembrance in our generation.
“People don’t understand the affect 9/11 had on them. People are paying proper respects to it, the professor didn’t even acknowledge that is was 9/11.” Dinkins said.
While students passed by the impromptu memorial on the quad, the College Republicans and Democrats sold homemade cookies at the Speaker’s circle.
“We made the cookies by hand. We put the effort into it, meaning that we really care.” Cowing said.
The homemade cookies were in support for Operation Helmet, a nationwide organization that specializes in helping provide improved body armor to soldiers serving overseas.
Among the pastries for sale were chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, a recipe by Hillary Clinton that Cowing had found in a newspaper.
Dinkins said that the bake sale made over $100 in support of the cause.
The College Democrats and Republicans looked passed party lines today, in a time when partisanship is as strong as ever.
“Right now, we live in a very partisan time. This day, all that needs to be set aside.” Dinkins said.
As the 8th anniversary of 9-11 comes to an end, Dinkins stressed the importance of the event and the lasting affects that it has on every American.
“People need to keep the focus that this was an attack on us and we are not invincible. “ Dinkins said, “We are all one group of people, we are not two separate Americans, we are all Americans, and we are all one nation.”
