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Ferris memorial honors lives lost during Sept. 11 terrorist attacks

BIG RAPIDS - Red, white and blue will be waving proudly Sept. 11 in the Campus Quad at Ferris State University with 2,973 flags being displayed to memorialize the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks.

The sea of flags is part of a daylong observance of the sixth anniversary of the attacks, with a banner being laid out on the quad for faculty, staff, students and the community to sign beginning at 8 a.m. The University's Student Government also will make available commemorative pins.

"The event will remind us that we should not forget that our country continues to thrive through the generosity of service people," Student Government President Joe Viviano said.

Viviano added that the day also serves to commemorate other recent national tragedies with a candlelight service and vigil. At 9 p.m., candles for the evening vigil will be handed out, with the opening reflection being given by Carnel Richardson, who spoke at the University's Virginia Tech memorial on the quad last spring.

"This helps us honor those who hold the same values as we do - leadership, service and action," Viviano added.

The vigil also will include remarks by Ferris President David Eisler, Lamira King, project specialist in the office of Multicultural Student Services, and music by the University's gospel choir. During the event, recognition will be given to service men and women, firefighters and law enforcement officials from the area.

"This event will send a powerful message that Ferris and the greater Big Rapids community have not forgotten," Student Government Vice President Robbie Rankey added.

Further information on the memorial or candlelight vigil are available by contacting Elizabeth Kelly at (231) 591-0797, (937) 689-0227 or [email protected].