The University of Wisconsin College Republicans and Democrats plugging away before dawn on Friday, but not heated political debates or canvassing. Instead, they will plug holes in the Bascom Hill, a campus landmark, with 2977 American flags to commemorate the eighth anniversary of 9 / 11.
Each flag represents one of the 9 / 11 victims, according to Patrick Coyle, vice president of the Young America Foundation, a national organization that has promoted the “9 / 11: Never Forget Project groups of U. Wisconsin and other centers. Until now, the conservative Coyle, who extended the invitation to participate primarily other conservative groups, has led to 215 groups on campus for the memorial board. That’s more than 640,000 flags are flown at high schools and universities nationwide.
Coyle said the program began in 2003 to keep 9 / 11 fresh in the minds of students and help young students learn about the tragedy.
“There was not much going on to remember the day, especially in college and high schools, and if something was being held at times becomes a politically correct act,” said Coyle.
“Patriot Day is really a great day and remember to take time … especially in view of the division of all of the health reform, economic reform and political polarization,” said Rachel Kopec, president of the University of Florida Network of enlightened women, a conservative organization.
Students at U. Florida spent the Labor Day by placing flags on the campus of a long week of remembrance.
“I feel it is a fitting tribute to all the 2977 victims,” said Jeffrey Ivey, a student of political science and president of Americans for Prosperity, said her school newspaper, the Independent Florida Alligator.
Emory University College Republicans Chairman Jordan Krenz said he hoped the event that students, “pause, even for just a second to realize how fortunate they are and thank the men and women who have served the country since 9 / 11 “.
“It’s not that the left, who is right, we are all Americans,” said Krenz.
Despite these calls from both parties, groups College Democrats will not participate in Florida, or the majority of Emory University to host the event, according to Coyle. The event was created and promoted by conservative organizations. One reason for the absence of progressive groups “may come from the Foundation for Young America’s conservative views and criticism of President Barack Obama for the recognition of 9 / 11 as National Day of Service.
“[The Opportunity] first President Obama to remember 9 / 11 and became the organization of this massive outpouring of community around liberals liberal pet projects called climate change”, American Youth Foundation, said Spokesman Jason Mattera.
Politicized despite some attempts by the event, UW University Democrats President Molly Rivera said he hopes to collaborate with the UW College Republicans for the third consecutive year symbolize what the day should represent.
“We want to send the message that some events are just beyond politics. … We are all students, we all experience very similar things,” he said.
Crystal Lee, president of the UW College Republicans, said he expected the most striking partisanship student by day, which will include a community vigil candlelight at night accompanied by the singing of the national anthem, speeches and prayers.
“Obviously, eight years is not long ago, but the young, which is technically not think of things to do last week. … We just hope that students reflect on and make it part of your day instead of saying ’Oh, is September 11, is just another day, “Lee said.
College Republicans and Democrats are also collaborating on the event for the first time at the University of California at Berkeley. Berkeley College Republican Rick President Chen said his organization has participated in the event since it began and went to the Democrats in the past but this is the first year they have come on board.
Chen said he hopes that the involvement of campus organizations as possible to spread the word.
“Last year, our university did not even raise the flag at half mast as he approached the village administration, with almost all our members and asked them to do,” said Chen.
The Colorado State University College Republican President Carnal Kelly said keeping the 9 / 11 ’s palpable memory is important to move from knowledge to future generations, especially