Bruin Republicans commemorate 9/11 with flag display

Thousands of miniature American flags decorated the lawns of Wilson Plaza today – one for each of the 2,977 victims of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center 12 years ago.

Jake Kohlhepp, a second-year economics and political science student, set up the memorial with his father on behalf of Bruin Republicans to commemorate the anniversary of 9/11. Bruin Republicans have organized memorials on Sept. 11 for the last few years, Kohlhepp said.

“9/11 was a pivotal part of American history. It is a pivotal part of my generation’s history,” Kohlhepp said about why he chose to set up the memorial.

Kohlhepp, who sat near the memorial all day, said about 200 people stopped to take pictures and to observe a moment of silence.

Eileen Lee, a second-year physiological science student, said she had goose bumps when she saw the memorial.

“I remember thinking (early) this morning that if I stayed up till 5 (a.m.), it would be 8 a.m. Eastern (Standard) Time when it happened,” Lee said.

Kohlhepp said he overheard several people passing by say they did not remember that today was the anniversary of the terrorist attack.

Eileen Joseph, a second-year biochemistry student, who stopped to take a picture of the memorial said she did not remember the date until someone mentioned it in one of her classes.

“That’s why we’re doing it,” Kohlhepp said. “We’re trying to keep the beacon still alive.”

Compiled by Chandini Soni, Bruin senior staff.