It’s been 17 years since the tragic attack on September 11, 2001 Exactly 2,977 American flags were put up to commemorate the lives lost during the attack on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.

On Tuesday morning, members of the IU student organization and activism group, Young Americans for Freedom (YAF), placed these flags to represent each and every person who died on 9/11. The display was apart of the “Never Forget Project” by the national Young Americans for Freedom.

Chair of YAF, Joel Puente, said he remembers September 11, 2001 when he was in first grade. Puente recalls sitting in his elementary school classroom as one-by-one, students were called to leave class over the intercom. He said he was confused why the other kids were leaving class and not returning. The classroom quickly dwindled down to him and four other students, until his name was called. From there, he said all he remembers is the fear his mother had as she rushed them both home.

Puente said, although he was young, it’s important to remember the day even 17 years later. While they were setting up the flags, Puente said they had a lot of students approach them. He says students expressed their gratitude for the memorial while others told stories about those who passed on the tragic day.

“We know why we’re doing this, but when people come and they share their stories it makes it a lot more meaningful,” Puente said. “So we’re just kind of trying to our part and make sure that’s still in people’s memories, and they know that this is something that happened and a lot people lost their lives.”

This is the second year YAF has done the annual 9/11 memorial display. For more information visit their website.