Set in stone
Former students join to honor Aggies' sacrifices in War on Terror with campus monument
By: Jill Beathard
Issue date: 10/21/08 Section: News
| |
| |
|
The memorial is located on the northwest corner of the Quad and memorializes Aggies lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and in the War on Terror. It commemorates the service of Aggies, both civilian and military, who work to protect America's freedom.
The memorial is the 5-year reunion gift from the Class of 2003.
"We wanted to do something that would set us apart," said Cliff Williams, class agent for the Class of 2003. "This memorializes not only people from the past, but also the present."
Four years ago, the Association of Former Students connected the class agents with the class of 1968, who had begun plans for the project. Construction took 90 days and was completed the day before the dedication.
A design contest for the project was organized through the College of Architecture. Twenty-seven student teams participated. The winning design was created by Class of 2007 architecture students Jorge Martinez, Mariano Ortiz, Hernan Molina and David McMillin. "We didn't think it was a big deal," Ortiz said. "But it is very important and serious for everyone at A&M."
When looking at the memorial, Sept. 11 may not immediately come to mind. However, the wall symbolizes American culture, the impact the Sept. 11 attacks had on society and the recovery of the American people. The cubes represent Aggies who are serving to protect America. The missing row of cubes represents the sacrifices of Aggies during the Sept. 11 era.
Ortiz said, "The original design included a reflecting pool, which was left out of the final construction because of cost and the maintenance that would be required.
"Friday was the first time the design team saw the project since construction began. We didn't know how it was going to turn out, but I think it's great, and everyone's really excited about it."
The monument was originally titled 'The War on Terror Memorial', said General Hal M. Hornburg, retired Air Force and representative of the Class of 1968.
"The chosen title, 'Freedom from Terrorism', connotes a protective barrier that allows us to walk in a free nation. It is a living memorial," Hornburg said, "[meaning that] it memorializes people currently serving, people who have served and people who will serve."
The Class of 2003 has peers who are serving in active duty and has lost class members in war, like the class of 1968.
"They know that, and they're not going to forget it," said Jim Thompson, Class of 1968, when presenting the memorial on behalf of both classes.
Representing the Class of 2003 was Cap. Daniel P. Moran, who was a member of the Corps of Cadets and a first sergeant in the Aggie Band. He said that 21 Aggies have been lost in military duty in the War on Terror.
"This represents our commitment to give ourselves to a cause greater than ourselves," he said.
Moran suffered second and third degree burns from an improvised explosive device in Iraq.
"We are fighting an enemy willing to do anything to accomplish what they call their mission," Moran said. "What they don't know is that we do it for love. That's why the sign on the MSC says 'No greater love is there than this, to lay down one's life for a friend.'"
Be sure to include your name, major, and class year. Submissions without this information are subject to deletion.
By submitting a comment, you agree to thebatt.com's Terms of Use.
You may also send a Mail Call to The Battalion at mailcall@thebatt.com