Henderson Oracle

Issue date: 10/8/07 Section: News

With six years past, the terrible day of Sept. 11, 2001, still takes a terrifying toll on Americans and the soldiers who are fighting for their country. Since that fateful day, patriotism has become the focus of the United States and its citizens.

More people are taking pride in their country by hanging flags and being supportive of the troops as the days of fighting an undefined war continue. Henderson students took part in displaying their patriotism by hosting "Flags for the Fallen," which was emphasized by a candlelight vigil Thursday, Oct. 3, at 6 p.m. on the quad.

"Flags for the Fallen" was inspired by a traveling exhibit from the University of Nebraska. The Young Democrats of Arkansas decided to imitate the event and bring it to schools in Arkansas to honor the lives of soldiers who lost their lives to the war. The exhibit targeted schools from the North to the South, beginning with the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and ending with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The exhibit consisted of 3,700 flags placed on the quad that each represented one soldier whose has fallen in the line of duty while serving their country in the war in Iraq. Henderson's "Flags for the Fallen" opened with the presentation of colors by ROTC and the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner" by Brandon Thurston. Angelic Voices of Christ honored the soldiers with a song entitled "Imagine Me" by Kirk Franklin. Dr. Charles Dunn served as the speaker. The program was closed with a candlelight vigil. Students, professors and community members were all in attendance of the program showing their support to the soldiers. Although the program was successful, some hoped that more could be done to honor the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers.

"The turn-out was a success," said Calvin Johnson, senior public administrations major and vice president of Young Democrats. "Personally, it wasn't enough because their sacrifice is greater than ours, but it was a way to pay tribute to them as well as their families." Johnson stresses the fact that the program was not a protest or negative influenced action.

"It was not a protest or political gesture, it was a symbol of commemoration and memorization of fallen lives," Johnson said. Every day more and more lives of soldiers are being taken, and it is up to citizens to remember those who have sacrificed their lives in honor of their country.

The "Flags for the Fallen" exhibit is a small but powerful act that the community will appreciate and remember.

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