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The Military Student Success Center (MSSC) held a 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony at the Centennial Plaza in order to honor those who lost their lives in 2001 at the Pentagon, in the planes and at the World Trade Center after terrorists flew planes into the buildings. Nearly 3,000 people died in the attacks.
Nadia Muñoz, MSSC director, opened the ceremony by reflecting on those who died and introducing the different branches of service that were in attendance.
Branches of the military, the fire department and police were thanked for their heroism. The ceremony also featured performances by the UTEP Chorale and Faculty Brass Quintet.
Guest speaker Army Major Nicolas Fiore spoke on how the first responders who were at Ground Zero during the attack inspired him to join the Army.
Fiore also urged the El Paso community to come together in the wake of a terrible mass shooting, adding that the strength that united the U.S. after the 9/11 attack is the same one that should unite the border community.
More than 2,000 U.S. flags were planted on the Centennial Plaza to represent the lives that were lost, as well as a large one set to loom over the campus.
“It’s sad,” said Deputy Sheriff Erick Vargas. “This is a day that will never be forgotten, so it’s good to take at least one minute out of every day to remember the fallen.”
The attacks that occurred on Sept. 11 affected many Americans, including those who did not have a direct connection to it.
“At that point my brother joined (the military),” said UTEP student Jose Herrera. “I didn’t know what was going to happen to him, and I was still trying to figure out myself where I could do my part.”
The MSSC hosts this event yearly, gaining the attention of service members and reminding UTEP to never forget.
Daniel Rey Perez may be reached at [email protected]
