UT, others remember thousands killed on 9/11

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Young Conservatives of Texas planted thousands of miniature American flags on the highly trafficked South Lawn of the University of Texas as a prominent reminder of the lives lost 11 years ago on this day.

• Photos: Central Texas remembers 9/11

The placing of the flags is something that the UT group has done every year since 2002 to remember the worst terrorist attack on American soil.

"It is critical that we never forget those lost on that horrific day 11 years ago," said YCT UT Chairman John Horton. "This is a way of honoring those victims and ensuring that they will never be forgotten."

It took about 30 people -- including students and even professors -- working at 10:30 p.m. Monday to finish planting the 3,000 flags in two hours.

The organization often has outside citizens, other students, professors and staff show up to help plant the flags each year.

Gov. Rick Perry issued a statement from Italy on the anniversary of the 2001 attacks. He is in Italy on an economic mission to help draw business to Texas.

“Eleven years ago this morning, the hopes, dreams and lives of more than 3,000 individuals were taken during the most brazen and catastrophic terrorist attack the United States had ever seen," wrote Perry. "In the years since, their tales of loss, redemption and soul-stirring courage have inspired people around the world to live larger, more meaningful lives. Those behind the attacks hoped to crush the American spirit, but that spirit remains alive and well, especially in the members of our military, as well as the paramedics, firefighters and police officers who have dedicated their lives to helping others. Our thoughts and prayers are with those whose hearts are heavy with the remembrance of loved ones lost in the attacks.”