A time of tears and remembrance was held at the oval on the morning of Sept. 11, two years after the World Trade Center was attacked by terrorists.

About 80 people, Southern staff, students and faculty, met at the oval to share a moment of silence for when the first airplane hit the south tower at 7:45 a.m on Sept. 11.

Kelly Wilson, director of the Student Support Center, gave a speech before the moment of silence.

“This is our time to remember,” she said, “our time to reflect.”

Flags were handed out to students as they approached the flag, and were waved during the song, “I’m proud to be an American.”

After the speech, students could choose to put down one of 900 carnations that were provided so they could be laid beside the flagpole.

Amy Packer, freshman nursing major, decided to put a carnation down.

She said she did it to remember all the people who are still fighting over in Iraq.

She thought the ceremony at the flag was a good memorial to have.

“It was very nice,” she said.

Montana Fiddyment, freshman nursing major, walked away from the ceremony with tears.

“It was touching,” Fiddyment said. “I didn’t want to come because I didn’t want to get upset, but I did.”

Wilson said the events on Sept. 11, 200,1 meant a lot to her, being a “military brat” and having a grandfather who worked in the Pentagon.

“When I saw that plane hit the Pentagon,” she said, “I was just devastated.”

Wilson said it showed the vulnerability of the United States, “but, it doesn’t take away what we stand for.”

A candlelight vigil was held later that day at 8 p.m.

Anyone who wanted to could light a candle to put under the flagpole for victims lost in the attack.