Victims remembered

Seven years later, students once again will reminisce and mourn on Sept. 11.

The Showalter Fountain area by the IU Auditorium on Seventh Street will be the site of a tribute candlelight vigil at 8 p.m. today for all those lost in the terrorist attacks less than a decade ago.

Junior Chelsea Kane, president of the IU College Republicans, the group sponsoring the event, said the goal of the vigil is simply to bring a diverse group of students together to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

She spoke for the entire organization, saying they do not wish to hear about conspiracy theories but to focus on what is important: remembering those who were lost.

“We hope to create a tradition that will endure long after our graduation,” Kane said.

She said she believes this is one thing everyone can agree to pause for in order to observe the significance of the day.

Kane said she believes it’s important for students to get involved and not to just overlook the event.

Sophomore Nick Denby said the focus has shifted too far from the tragedy of the attacks to political paranoia, and he hopes this event will help students focus on the loss of life rather than controversies and conspiracies.

“The best thing for students to do is to get active in discussion, which allows them to get a better idea of how 9/11 has changed our culture,” he said.

Kane said about 75 people are expected to show at the vigil.

The event will include a musician, decorations in the form of American flags, candles and a brief statement by the IU College Republicans.

“I hope that many Hoosiers come to this event and go away feeling proud and united with their fellow students,” Kane said.