 "Photo: Nick Badger")
Eight years ago today, terrorists hijacked four passenger planes and crashed the planes into the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon.
More than 2,700 people died in the attacks.
Former President George W. Bush subsequently declared a "war on terror," and the United States invaded Iraq and Afghanistan.
'Today is a day for remembering - a day for remembering and honoring the memories of our fellow Americans and others who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks," said Interim President R. Bowen Loftin. "The tragic events of 9/11 will forever be etched in our minds and on our hearts."
In 2008, the Freedom From Terrorism Memorial, designed by Texas A&M University students, was built on the A&M campus.
It is located near the intersection of Coke Street and Lubbock Street.
The memorial is dedicated to students who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks and subsequent wars.
Today at the memorial the Young Conservatives of Texas will host their 9/11 Never Forget Memorial and Ceremony.
At 9 a.m. a remembrance ceremony will be held.
"We feel it's very important to honor those who were tragically lost in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and also to honor those who have died protecting our life and freedom," said YCT chairman Justin Pulliam, a sophomore animal science major.
American flags will be distributed to students to be planted at the memorial.
"We'd like to encourage every Aggie to come by," Pulliam said. "Everyone can come and put in a flag. This memorial is for all of Texas A&M and the surrounding community."
At 5:45 p.m. at Veteran's Park in College Station, an event called Patriot Day will be held to honor and thank those who died on 9/11 and those who have fought since then.
The event will include a barbecue dinner and several speakers.
"We have a New York firefighter who was on the ground on 9/11 eight years ago. We have a survivor who was at the World Trade Center and lives locally. We have a naval chaplain," said Patriot Day coordinator Bruce Forsyth. "It's just a very patriotic event."
Since 9/11, Americans have grown even stronger and more steadfast in their commitment to freedom, Loftin said.
"I encourage fellow Aggies everywhere to join me in taking a moment to remember the families of those lost in the tragedy of that horrific day eight years ago and to give thanks to the brave men and women who are in service to our country and helping keep us safe from those who are intent on doing us harm," Loftin said.
Admission to Patriot Day is free with donation of a nonperishable item to be sent to American troops during the holidays. For more information, call 979.774.9958.
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