Today, Hillsdale’s campus honors the lives lost in the 9/11 attacks.
The Hillsdale chapter of Young Americans for Freedom is participating in the 9/11 Never Forget Project.
Hillsdale YAF president Savanna Wierenga said YAF is putting up 2,977 flags by the Alpha Kappa Phi Civil War Monument. YAF will hold a memorial there at 12:15 p.m.
“We’re putting them up to honor each of the people who were killed on 9/11, in all different places on that day,” said Christy Allen, Hillsdale YAF secretary.
Hillsdale has several veterans who remember that day well.
Jeffery Rogers, assistant dean of men, retired from the Navy after 20 years of service. The college’s resident chaplain, Bishop Peter Beckwith, retired from the Navy as a rear admiral.
“I was stationed in Keflavík, Iceland, at the Naval base there. We were very busy. We delivered a few babies,” said Rogers. “I always reflect [on 9/11]. I know it’s cliché, but 9/11 reminds me that freedom isn’t free.”
Beckwith said he also remembers that day.
“I recall the day well. I was running on the treadmill, watching TV when the first plane hit,” he said.” I was thinking some really naive thoughts. I thought it must have been an accident. Then the second plane hit.”
Beckwith experienced the tragedy from several different perspectives.
“I had a friend who was a reserve admiral, who was on the American Airlines plane that hit. He was coming back from vacation,” Beckwith said. “It affected me as an American, but also on a personal level.”
During the YAF memorial service taps will be played, and Beckwith will give an invocation. Along with having faculty and staff that have served, Hillsdale also has several student veterans.
“I like students to know that we have students among us that have, are, and will serve,” said Rogers. “It will always be that way…9/11 is an opportunity to reflect, but now, what are you going to do? You owe it to them to be the best students you can be.”
