University of Michigan project honors those lost in terrorist attacks

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (WXYZ) - Students at the University of Michigan gathered to put out 2,977 flags on campus on the eleventh anniversary of the September 11 ^th attacks. 

“Each flag represents someone murdered on September 11 ^th,” said Rachel Jankowski.

She says it is all part of the Never Forget Project.  The project is behind similar displays on campuses around the nation.

Student volunteers manned the display and collected donations that will benefit the families of those killed and veterans.

Many students talked about how the terrorist attacks changed their lives.  They were children when they saw the hijacked airliners crash into the twin towers, and the nation changed forever in front of their eyes.

“When you think about it, it was 11 years ago. That is half of my life,” said Jankowski.  “It has affected everything from our economy, to our debt, to the decisions we make.”

The event was sponsored by the College Republicans at the university, as well as the Young America’s Foundation.

It also inspired Robbie Squiers to join the ROTC. He will serve 5 years in the Navy after he graduates.

“It reminds me why I want to do what I am doing,” he said.