9/11 25th Anniversary Community Recognition Events
Remembering Through Reflection
The image was taken on September 11, 2001, and shows New York City Firefights pausing the work of digging through rubble of the World Trade Centers to raise an American flag. This is one example of many in the history of the United States of America when the flag was raised as a symbol of hope and unity amid tragedy.
In recognition of the 25th anniversary of September 11, members of the Northwood University community were invited to reflect on the American flag as an enduring symbol of hope, unity, and freedom. From these submissions, two students and one faculty/staff member were selected to participate in a faculty led visit to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, where they will experience the places, stories, and legacy of September 11 firsthand.
Photographed by Thomas E. Franklin, USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
New York Trip
The “Remembering Through Reflection” winners, Corday Clayton, Marisa Henrie, and Dave Marsh, were invited on a trip to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City.
Our “Remembering Through Reflection” winners will share their experiences visiting the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City at the Soup and Substance event on September 9 at 12 p.m. in the Four Seasons building on the Mall Walk.
Unable to join us in person? A livestream will be available.
In the late afternoon of September 11, 2001, FDNY Firefighter Dan McWilliams spotted a flag on a yacht—the Star of America, owned by Spiros Paliatsos and Stanley Praimnath—floating at a Hudson River marina near the World Trade Center. McWilliams, along with FDNY Firefighter Rich Glenn and Engineer Jim Riches, took the flag and tied it to a tilted pole protruding from a roughly 20-foot pile of debris near West Street. The flag-raising itself was not photographed, but this flag was later photographed in the famous image by Thomas E. Franklin.
After recovering the flag, it was displayed for years at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. In 2014, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and American flag collector began researching the flag’s history after learning that the flag had been displayed around Ground Zero without a provenance. Working with the Museum and surviving participants, the original flag was ultimately identified. In 2016, the flag was returned to Ground Zero for display in the Museum.
Flag Raised at Ground Zero on September 11, 2001
About The Red Bandanna
The Red Bandanna tells the story of Welles Crowther, whose life and actions on 9/11 became a powerful example of character, courage, and purpose. Known for the red bandanna he carried since childhood, Welles was a former athlete and volunteer firefighter who later worked in the South Tower of the World Trade Center.
After the attacks, his family struggled with the unknown details of his final moments until survivors recounted how a young man wearing a red bandanna repeatedly led people to safety before returning upstairs to help others.
Through this story, The Red Bandanna: A Life. A Choice. A Legacy highlights the impact of one selfless decision and the enduring legacy of a life lived with purpose.
As part of Northwood University’s observance of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, red bandannas will be distributed during Welcome Weekend and throughout the Fall semester. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are encouraged to wear their red bandannas to the Northwood Men’s Soccer game on September 3rd at 6:00 p.m. as a visible tribute to Welles Crowther and to honor the lives lost and the heroes who emerged on September 11, 2001.
Flag Distribution
Northwood University will distribute complimentary 3×5 ft American flags throughout the Fall semester, including at Welcome Weekend on August 21st, at the men’s soccer game on September 3rd, and at the football game on September 12th.
Community members are encouraged to display their flags as a tribute to those who lost their lives and the heroes who served our nation.
Individuals may also bring worn or damaged American flags to the Student Union or Church Family Building on campus, where Northwood will collect them for proper retirement and respectful disposal.
Silent Memorial Walk For the Community
Walk through a memorial honoring the 2,977 lives lost on September 11, 2001.
In partnership with the Great Lakes Bay Veterans Coalition, we invite you to experience a tribute featuring footprints of the planes, the Pentagon, actual-size footprints of the Twin Towers, memorial markers for those lost, twin beams of light, an American flag display, and educational exhibits. Continue into Hantz Stadium for a silent memorial walk, optional stair climb, and the names of those lost displayed on the video board. Open throughout the weekend for reflection.
September 11, 2026
Northwood University Hantz Stadium
7:59 a.m. – Sunset
Heroes Day at NU vs SVSU Football Game
If September 11 reminds us of what we lost, September 12 reminds us who we
became. A nation stood arm in arm, united by courage, compassion, and service.
Kickoff at 12:00 p.m. at Northwood University Hantz Stadium
Join Northwood University as we honor first responders, military members, veterans, and Gold Star families who continue to serve. Heroes receive complimentary tickets to the game, a family-friendly tailgate, commemorative gifts, and special recognition.
The memorial installation behind Hantz Stadium will remain open throughout the day for reflection.
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