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September 9, 2003

Purdue remembers 9/11 victims

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Purdue University community on Thursday (9/11) will pay tribute to victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

To mark the second anniversary of the attacks, all American flags on campus will be lowered to half-mast. At 8:59 a.m. (local time), the same time the first airplane hit the World Trade Center, the Purdue Bell Tower will toll three sets of five rings in honor of those who died in New York City, at the Pentagon and in rural Pennsylvania.

At 8:30 a.m., Purdue's Army, Navy and Air Force ROTC programs will host a brief memorial under the American flag at the Purdue Armory. Marine Capt. Brian Blake said the ceremony will include a presentation of colors and the lowering of the flag to half-mast, the playing of "Taps" and a moment of silence. The public is invited to attend.

For one minute, beginning at 8:59 a.m., all of the Purdue University Fire Department's emergency vehicles will be parked with lights flashing outside of the fire station, located at 1250 W. Third St. Firefighters and staff will stand outside in a minute of silence.

Of the more than 3,000 people who died in the attacks, 343 were firefighters. Purdue Fire Chief Ken Alling said it is important to honor their memories in a respectful, somber way.

"I think it's important to pay our respects in a quiet, introspective way," Alling said. "At the fire department, we want to remember all of the victims and show that we won't ever forget what they and their families lost."

Writer: Matt Holsapple, (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu

Sources: Ken Alling, (765) 494-6910, kealling@purdue.edu

Brian Blake, (765) 494-2060, bblake@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu


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