Penn State Honors 9/11 Victims and Heroes

Old Glory hanging from the front of Old Main at Penn State.

Penn State has draped a large American flag over the pillars at Old Main this week, to honor the victims and heroes of the 9/11 attacks that happened 20 years ago.

Old Main at Penn State on September 9, 2021.
Old Main at Penn State on September 9, 2021.

With the Penn State football home opener scheduled for 9/11/2021, the American flag tribute will certainly be a welcome sight to the thousands of alumni and fans returning to State College this weekend.

Old Main and Old Glory in the background, the armillary sphere (gift of the class of 1966) in the foreground.
Old Main and Old Glory in the background, the armillary sphere (gift of the class of 1966) in the foreground.

Penn State unfurled a similar flag right after the 9/11 attacks in 2001.

A view from Old Main lawn of the American flag commemorating the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America.
A view from Old Main lawn of the American flag commemorating the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America.

Penn State Alumni Association CEO Paul Clifford was quoted as saying “Upon the 20th commemoration this year of Sept. 11, we will be mourning victims, recognizing first responders and other heroes, families, and friends, and reflecting on the resilient spirit of the American people.” 

The American flag draped in front of the pillars of Old Main at Penn State in remembrance of the victims of 9/11/2001.
The American flag draped in front of the pillars of Old Main at Penn State, in remembrance of the victims of 9/11/2001.

At least 10 Penn State alumni lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on 9/11.

A student passes in front of the large American flag draped in front of Old Main at Penn State
A student passes in front of the large American flag draped in front of Old Main at Penn State.

And many more Penn Staters gave their lives defending?the United States?in the?subsequent? Global War on Terrorism.

Penn State honoring the vicitims of 9/11 with a large American flag draped from the front of Old Main.
Penn State honoring the victims and heroes of 9/11 with a large American flag draped from the front of Old Main.

As an alumnus of Penn State myself, I am grateful that the University has chosen to remember and honor both the victims and heroes of 9/11 and the Global War on Terrorism in this way.

The Stars and Stripes hanging from the pillars of Old Main at Penn State.
The Stars and Stripes hanging from the pillars of Old Main at Penn State.

If you’re in town for the game this weekend, or just happen to be strolling down College Avenue, take a look in the direction of Old Main and remember those who gave their lives on 9/11 and in the War on Global Terrorism since, defending our way of life in Happy Valley and across the USA.

A view from College Avenue of the large American flag hanging from Old Main.
A view from College Avenue of the large American flag hanging from Old Main.

The Pennsylvania Military Museum in Centre County honors the service of Pennsylvanians in all branches of the military, from colonial times to the present day Global War on Terrorism.

The Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg, PA.
The Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg.

Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center is a Penn State owned and operated nature center and aviary, located just 12 miles outside of State College in rural Huntingdon County.

A resident bald eagle at Shaver's Creek Environmental Center.
A resident bald eagle at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center aviary.

The Arboretum at Penn State is a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of Penn State’s main campus in State College.

Sunset over the water lily pond at the Penn State Arboretum.
Sunset over the Lotus Pond at the Penn State Arboretum.

Hiking Mount Nittany is a rite of passage for Penn Staters and a favored activity of visitors to the State College area.

Happy Valley as viewed from the top of Mount Nittany.
Happy Valley as viewed from the top of Mount Nittany.

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Rusty Glessner
Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and a frequently-cited authority on PA's best travel destinations.