FARMINGTON – Wednesday morning, on the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the University of Maine at Farmington held a remembrance event to honor the memory of those whose lives were lost and those who bravely aided the community on and after that day.

Small American flags decorated the lawn behind Preble Hall in the form of the message “9/11… WE REMEMBER” and a bell was rung 2,996 times throughout the day to represent each life that was lost that day. Community members were encouraged to take part in the ringing of the bell, as well as filling out post cards to thank first responders for their service. The post cards were later delivered to first responder departments and stations to share this appreciation.

Kirsten Swan, director of student leadership and service, gave a speech before the bell-ringing began. “September eleventh was one of our worst days,” she said. “But it brought out the best in us. It unified the country and showed our charitable instincts and reminded us of what we stood for and stand for.”

Randy Gauvin, a participant in the bell-ringing said that it is important that we don’t forget. He pointed out that by now, most of the students at UMF weren’t even born yet when the tragic event took place, which means that it is even more important to remember, and educate those who aren’t able, on what was lost that day.

This was the first time since 2011 that this event took place. Swan and Coordinator of Orientation and Transition Programs Connor Fahey decided to bring the remembrance event back this year together. Swan said that she was at UMF that day in 2001.

“As we ring this bell today,” said Swan, “let us remember, let us reflect, let us never forget, let us unite and remember that when we lend a hand to one another, nothing is impossible.”