Think of the date school started this year. Sept. 11. I remember thinking, after seeing the day DU was to reconvene, that it was an interesting choice for a starting date.

Many students have expressed thoughts about how this day should be a day of remembrance, a commemoration for the lives of those lost in the tragedy. Around the country the five-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks was honored. On the DU campus, however, it felt like any ordinary day.

From around the world DU students have met back in their university home-base. Summer fun has faded away with the heat of August, and the leaves are almost ready to change color and invite the autumn months into 2006.

The anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks seem to be out of mind on campus. Be it the starting of class, or the simple neglect for past events students simply seem indifferent to the important event’s memory. It is possible that Denver is simply too far removed geographically to feel the sorrow in New York.

Distance can bring different perspectives to certain situations, though this travesty affected the entirety of the United States of America. Though Colorado is quite a distance from New York, we are more connected than we think.

Every state in America is a part of this country’s strength and power. Stickers saying “We Remember” were the only notions of commemoration seen on campus. Though it was wonderful to see at least one effort to honor the many lives lost in tragedy, I somehow expected more.

President Bush spoke on national television on the anniversary. He re-invoked Americans’ awareness about the reality of life in our country and the Middle East. His speech was a motivating remembrance of lost lives, and a reminder to the country about the war America has been involved in for five years’time.

Events such as this should not be overlooked by anyone, students are no exception. With the chaos around campus involved with meeting new people, joining clubs and becoming involved in campus activities it is difficult to think of much else.

Campus hasn’t felt as lively as in the past week for over three months. It is amazing what life students bring to the university. We are a group of smart and motivated individuals, capable of so much. The terrorism on Sept. 11, five years ago, was one of the most tragic events of this country.

Aside from the bombing of Pearl Harbor it is the only time America has been attacked in such a devastating way. It is incredibly important to remember such critical events in our nation’s history, and show proper forms of respect.

Students are, by no means, expected to dedicate their lives to commemorating devastating historical events; it is also important to live in the present moment and enjoy campus. While the honoring of the anniversary of Sept. 11 was disappointing on campus, it was still celebrated around the country.

Please keep in mind that though each of us have lives of our own to live, we all have a shared country history to remember as well.