Ahead of the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Bob Jones University will commemorate the 2,977 lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, with a display of American flags at the front of campus.
In addition, a replica of the World Trade Center Cross, one of the most recognizable symbols found in the wreckage of Ground Zero, will be featured at the Wade Hampton entrance. The original steel girder, a 17-foot-long crossbeam, became a source of hope to many in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and is currently on display in the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City.
“As a student body, we come together each year to set up the 9/11 memorial as a way of honoring the thousands of lives lost on that tragic day. Though most of us were born after 9/11, putting together this display gives us the opportunity to remember, reflect and recognize the sacrifice of so many,” said Tyler Sherman, BJU student body president. “We consider it a great privilege for us to serve our campus and community in this way.”
Dr. Bruce McAllister, BJU president, and student volunteers will set up the flags near the Wade Hampton Boulevard entrance to the campus. Each flag will represent one of the 2,977 victims—from 115 countries—who perished in the 2001 terrorist attacks. Students will begin assembling the display on Thursday, Sept. 4, and it will remain in place through the morning of Friday, Sept. 12.
From Sept. 4 – 11, the public is invited to view a piece of steel girder from the North Tower of the World Trade Center in the lobby of the Welcome Center, located near the Wade Hampton Boulevard entrance to the campus. The lobby is open each weekday from 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. and 11 a.m.– 4 p.m. on Saturday.
A picture of the cross and flags on front campus at BJU on September 8th, 2020, to remember the victims of the 9/11 attacks. (Bradley Allweil)
