Does OU Remember?

Nine years ago, the world as we know it changed forever.

Everyone remembers the scene of smoke and devastation. Everyone remembers where they were when the towers fell in 2001.

Or do they?

On the ninth anniversary of one of the most influential days in our nation's history, OU students went about their routines on a typical Saturday on the Norman campus, and that routine included a much-anticipated football game against Florida State.

That game seemed to take precedence over everything else, as is usually the case on OU home game days.

But did the game really push the memory of the 9/11 attack out of the minds of OU students? Has time really healed such a deep wound that impacted so many Americans?

OU students don't think so.

"I saw the flag flying at half-mast at the game. We haven't forgotten," said John Miller, an international area studies major at OU. "I think people remember the still remember the anniversary. I mean, it impacted my childhood a lot. It's not something you forget easily."

Garrett Gee, a sophomore at OU, echoed Miller's sentiments.

"I remember what day it is, and I think everyone else does too. I think we're Americans first and Sooners second," said Gee. "Just because there's a big game today doesn't mean we forget about it."

Despite all the time that has passed, OU students haven't forgotten the tragedy of nine years ago, and Miller doesn't think they ever will.

"It's a part of our generation and our heritage. It's always going to be a part of my life, as much as being a Sooner will be."