Elmira College senior Alayna Toole doesn’t remember the horrors of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks because she wasn’t born yet.
But Toole, who comes from a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, said she learned enough about that tragedy over the years to convince her to pursue a career in criminal justice.
It’s also why Toole was out early Thursday morning to take part in her fourth Elmira College Sept. 11 flag placement ceremony, with nearly 3,000 American flags planted along Park Place to signify the 24th anniversary of the attacks and the people who died.
“I feel like I want to work for the federal government, and help keep the country safe,” said Toole, 21. “It means a lot to me. A lot of my family members were affected. I’ve been a part of this every year. This is my last year to take part. It’s great that Elmira College does this to get the community together.”
Following a minute of silence at 8:46 a.m., the precise moment a plane crashed into the first tower more than two decades ago, Elmira College students and faculty members, local first responders and others began placing 2,996 American flags along the street.
“It’s very important to remember the events of this day and honor (the victims’) lives,” said EC senior MK Boyle, of Newport, Rhode Island, who is majoring in business and finance but is interested in joining the Rhode Island State Police. “This shows that we’ll never forget.”
Thursday marked the first Elmira College flag placement ceremony for James Hamilton, who joined the EC staff in July as director of campus safety.
“To me this is very important. My background is in EMS,” Hamilton said. “I take this very seriously. It’s important honoring their memory.”
Among the first responders who took part in Thursday’s ceremony were Elmira Fire Chief Andrew Mallow and several of his firefighters.
It’s always a sobering and emotional occasion, Mallow said.
“When you step back and look at this, the sheer number (of flags) puts it in perspective,” he said. “I think for me it’s a day to reflect on what happened 24 years ago. It’s nice that they honor police officers and firefighters. It’s really about those who lost their lives that day.”
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This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: ‘A day to reflect’: Elmira College students, staff, others mark 9/11 with flag ceremony
Reporting by Jeff Murray, Elmira Star-Gazette / Elmira Star-Gazette
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
