September 11, 2025
NATCHITOCHES – The Northwestern State University family paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks with a Sept. 11 Patriot Day ceremony that began at precisely 7:46 a.m., the moment the first plane crashed into the World Trade Center 24 years ago.
With flags lowered to half-staff, Student Government Association President Madysen Morgan of Bossier City asked for a moment of silence. A choral ensemble sang the national anthem.
“Today as we gather to commemorate the day, we remember and honor those who lost their lives on that sober day in 2001, the courageous first responders and selfless heroes who risked their lives and pay tribute to the countless individuals who emerged in its chaos to save others during this dark hour in our history,” Morgan said.
“Many here today remember exactly where we were and what we were doing at 7:46 a.m. on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. In fact, many of us were right here on this campus, and today we’re together,” said Reatha Cox, vice president for the Student Experience and dean of Students. “On Patriot Day we honor every life that was taken too soon. We honor the first responders, firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency workers and service members all who answered the call of duty. We also thank and recognize the everyday citizens who rushed into action to save lives that day. Truly, there were no strangers that day.”
For many students, the impact of 9/11 has resonated through their lives, even though it took place before they were born. Morgan said military members of her family were at Barksdale Air Force Base when President George W. Bush landed there in an emergency diversion the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. Later that day, Bush delivered a televised speech from Barksdale.
“My whole life I’ve known exactly what was happening, since they were so connected to it all. It’s a really big deal for us coming from a military family,” Morgan said.
Abigail Petermann, also of Bossier City, has a similar experience.
“Both my parents are veterans. When we were in school, they made a point to educate people on 9/11 and why it happened, how it happened. We grew up never forgetting, even though we weren’t there,” Petermann said.
The Patriot Day commemoration was sponsored by SGA, NSU ROTC and the Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts.