Flags on the UP: Norwich Honors 9/11 Victims

Norwich University honors the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks Thursday evening as students plant thousands of American flags outside Jackman Hall from 6-7 p.m. as part of a tradition that has grown from a single student's idea into one of the university's most enduring annual observances.

The tradition traces back to 2008, when Frank Anello ’09, a double major in political science and studies in war and peace, approached Associate Professor of Political Science Jason F. Jagemann, Ph.D., and members of the Political Science Club, also known as POLITEIA, about bringing the Young America's Foundation's 9/11: Never Forget Project to campus.

At the time, says Jagemann, the project was the first large-scale nationwide collegiate initiative dedicated to honoring the victims of the attacks, with more than 180 colleges and universities taking part in its inaugural year. Working through POLITEIA, Norwich joined that national effort by planting a flag for every life lost.

"Unlike many institutions whose participation lasted only a few years, Norwich transformed the tribute into an enduring annual tradition," says Jagemann, crediting the continuity to a rotating cast of Corps and civilian student leaders working alongside POLITEIA and himself.

Every year since 2008, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and volunteers have gathered on campus to plant thousands of flags in remembrance of those killed on Sept. 11, 2001. The memorial has since grown to anchor Norwich's broader Patriot Day observance, which now includes the Corps of Cadets' 24-hour Vigil Tour along with moments of reflection and commemorative ceremonies held throughout the day.

Student leadership has remained central to the tradition's survival, Jagemann says, with each new class of organizers taking on the responsibility of coordinating volunteers and ensuring the memory of the victims is not lost to time. "What began as a student initiative has become an enduring expression of Norwich University's commitment to remembrance, service, citizenship and national sacrifice," he says.