by Stephanie Garc°a
Daily Lobo
ASUNM and other University organizations are remembering the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks by planning a campus-wide commemoration.
ASUNM President Jennifer Onuska said that the events of Sept. 11 have not only had an impact on UNM, but also the entire country. Onuska is part of a campus-wide planning committee that is in charge of organizing the tribute.
Frank Martinez, director of UNM public affairs, said that this committee was formed to decide the best way to honor the tragedy.
"The commemoration means different things to different people depending on how they were affected," Martinez said. "It depends on who you ask."
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Martinez said that the tribute is a way to contemplate the impact of the attacks.
"We should commemorate this day for the people that suffered in this tragic incident," Onuska said "It's important for people to commemorate this day according to their beliefs and thoughts."
Sarah Mckinney, executive director of Student Special Events at ASUNM, said it is important for people to express their feelings about the event.
"This commemoration is a means for remembering," Mckinney said. "This year we are looking to have closure."
Mckinney said the committee is going to compile all the events that will take place on a flier that will be passed out to students around campus.
"We want this event to be something that is open to all points of view," Mckinney said.
ASUNM will have a table at the Duck Pond Tuesday and Wednesday at about noon.
Brian Lucero, ASUNM senator and one of the co-chairmen of the Sept. 11 Committee, said that the student Senate is going to have certain events to memorialize the date. These events will include a video presentation, a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance.
"It (the commemoration) reminds me that we're all vulnerable, but we can also overcome that. It's a reminder to me of what went on through the whole year, the ups and the downs," Mckinney said. "I am now seeing the world through different eyes."
Lucero agrees with Mckinney that this commemoration is a means of remembering.
"It helps me to be reunited with the students, faculty and staff that I was surrounded by last year." Lucero said.
Lucero and Sept. 11 Committee Co-chairman Nicol†s Cabrera will be present during the up-coming events to assist Mckinney and Onuska.
ASUNM will hold a candlelight vigil on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Duck Pond.
