The Collegian

Issue date: 3/7/06 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: Ken Fung

Do you remember September 11th? What happened that morning was tragic and sad beyond words. That day set America and the whole world on a new course. I have no doubt that historians will mark September 11, 2001 as one of the great turning points of our time. Isn't that worth a little reflection and perhaps a memorial? The answer seems obvious, but apparently some here at Saint Mary's don't think so. Until the Republican Club decided to create a 9/11 Memorial in 2005, there had not been a public memorial of that type on campus.

Last year the Republicans financed, organized, and completed the memorial. They paid for the material entirely from their own private fundraising. The main part of the memorial was covering the chapel lawn with almost 3000 American flags. Saint Mary's did not turn off the sprinklers for the chapel lawn, as was requested, so all of the flags were ruined beyond repair. In further lack of support, the school could not even provide lights to illuminate the memorial at night.

Due to the new controversial rules constricting club fundraising, the Republican club now has a much harder time seeking outside funding to buy the flags needed for this memorial. Accordingly, the club has gone to the Student Senate to request the $3107.73 needed for this year's memorial. That money will be used not only for new flags, but also to bring a speaker to campus. The speaker will be Deena Burnett, who lost her husband on Flight 93. At the Senate vote, 19 people voted for funding the memorial, but two did not. The 19 that voted for it should be thanked and commended.

The Republican club should not have to fundraise for this cause at all. Saint Mary's should support the effort and provide the funding annually, as with other events. The display reflects positive values and has brought grateful responses from the community. The 9/11 Memorial is a moving and important event that deserves administrative endorsement. The words "never forget" have never meant so much.


Editor's note: Scott Cullinane is currently a member of the SMC Republican club. The Collegian does not endorse the views or positions of any club or organization on campus.

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