Students in Young Americans for Freedom honor the lives lost on Sep. 11 

Rain drizzles down, as it has been for the last few days, but the rain can’t stop the Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) from remembering the events of 9/11. The entire front lawn is covered in 2997 American flags, honoring the number of lives lost that day. The flags form a pentagon with “9/11” in the center and an “NY” above it. On the left of the pentagon, “United 93” is spelled out in flags to represent the flight that was taken over by civilians to prevent a second terrorist attack from occurring in another location.

“We did it last year too, and we wanted to commemorate the lives lost [during the attack],” said senior and YAF club founder, Paolo Orosa.

This is a part of YAF’s “9/11: Never Forget Project” that started in 2003 as a way to “help students across the country properly remember the anniversary,” according to the YAF website. Last year’s event was rushed due to the club just being formed, so Orosa wanted to ensure that this event was better.

YAF also had a table set up in the lobby handing out stickers, pins, and other YAF merchandise that students could take, whether they’re part of the club or not.

“We wanted to get our name out there a little more, [so] kids can get more interested, and come to our meetings.” said Orosa.

YAF isn’t planning on stopping there either. Throughout the year, they have several events planned that are pending approval from administration. Orosa hopes to have a “Freedom Week” later in the year, as well as a “No More Che Day” to protest acts of violent communism.

YAF meets every other Monday at 8:45 in room 243 for those interested in being involved in the political club