Perseverance and sacrifice were among the themes emphasized on the afternoon of Sept. 9.

In honor of the four-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, Missouri Southern had a “Flag of Freedom” ceremony in front of the Billingsly Student Center.

Students gathered at the flagpole outside of the BSC to remember those who lost or sacrificed their lives during the events of not only Sept. 11, but those involved in the recent tragedy at the Gulf Coast. The event included song selections from the concert chorale and the chamber choir and remarks from a keynote speaker.

There was also a moment for special recognition to “community heroes” including area police and fire departments who were also in attendance.

Michael Banes, firefighter chaplain of Redings Mill Fire Protection District and former Baptist Student Union director was the speaker for the afternoon.

Rod Surber, director of public information said he was, “a simple man, living a simple life.”

Banes spoke to the students and faculty about pivotal moments of bravery and the role it plays in society.

Banes said he wanted the students to understand heroism is something never planned, but comes at any given moment.

“Our society works on the basis of looking out for one another,” Banes said. “It’s a part of the American culture that we respond to people in crisis.”

He told the members of the crowd they should never forget about the acts of bravery which took place during the terrorist attacks and the firemen who ran into the burning buildings along with the passengers who fought to take down the plane, which are examples of what is a true sacrifice .

“Quite frankly, the word hero is often misused in our contemporary society in attachment to people and events that are non-heroic,” Banes said.

Kristen Duwe, senior secondary education major, said she was pleased with the event. “The event was a great opportunity for students to come out and show their support for their country and the sacrifices people have made,” she said.

However, Duwe said the turnout was lacking, but due to classes, she said there was a fair representation of students.

Surber said the remembrance of past tragedies and being faced with the most recent is reason enough for everyone to possess “individual preparedness”.

He also said in the wake of tragedy it is those who do less talking and take action that make the difference.

“It’s the people that find ways to get things done in the worst of circumstances,” Surber said. “Those are the ones I want the students to know.”

Aside from paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during Sept. 11, Banes spoke to the crowd as to why it is important to show support to the victims on the gulf coast.

“If we don’t care about ourselves as human beings, then we are just going to be basically left to our own devices,” he said.