As the West Virginia University community continues to answer the call for help in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, it prepares to mark the fourth anniversary of another tragedy, the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Following student tradition, lights will be hung today (Sept. 7) on the 9/11 memorial tree, a living testament to the enduring memories of victims and the loved ones they left behind. The evergreen was planted one year after the terrorist attacks near the Downtown Library to honor the lives lost that day.

The lights will remain lit through Sunday, Sept. 11. A permanent bronze plaque next to the tree reads:We rememberThe spirit of those lost on Sept. 11, 2001, lives in each of us.

Student government leaders say the victims and heroes of that day will not be forgotten, even in the face of this current disaster.

9/11 will forever be a day of remembrance,said Shannon Logan, student body vice president.This is a day that affected the world.

During Saturdays (Sept. 10) football home opener at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium, WVU will pause to remember victims of both tragedies. There will be an observance for Hurricane Katrina. Also, a video commemorating the anniversary of 9/11 will be shown on the video board while the WVU band plays the national anthem.

We are ever mindful of the tragic events that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001,said Jay Drury, director of thePride of West Virginia WVU marching band.We honor the memory of those who were lost on that terrible day.

The video may also be viewed via a 9/11 remembrance Web site, which will be linked to the Universitys home page at www.wvu.edu .

WVU lost two alumni in the terror attacksChris Gray, a 1992 and 1994 graduate who was working as a broker for Cantor Fitzgerald; and Jim Samuel Jr., a 1993 graduate who was working as a commodities broker for Carr Futures. Both worked at the World Trade Center Towers. Scholarship funds were set up in their memory through the WVU Foundation.