Today, 2,977 flags stand on the Plaza of the Americas, each representing a life lost in the Sept. 11 attacks.
The 9/11: Never Forget Project, created by the Young America's Foundation encouraged students nationwide to hold a vigil commemorating the event.
The Network of Enlightened Women is sponsoring UF's project with help from the College Republicans and Americans for Prosperity.
Members of the groups spent their Labor Day assembling the flags, which will stand until Saturday.
Project coordinator Jean Morrow, a political science and education senior, said the flags were donated from organizations in Alachua and Citrus counties.
She said some of the primary contributors were the American Legion Auxiliary of Crystal River and the American Legion of Alachua County.
Morrow said she got the idea originally from the Young America's Foundation Web site, which suggested the display of 2,977 flags and a moment of silence.
On Friday, the project will close its week of remembrance with a vigil to honor those who died. The vigil will be held on the Plaza of the Americas at 7 p.m.
Plans are being made for Friday's vigil, Morrow said, adding that members of Carillons, a group of UF students who play the Centruy Tower bells, will play "In Memoriam," a song written for the victims of 9/11.
Throughout the week, project members will remind students of the 2001 tragedy by handing out pins reading, "9/11: Never Forget," and posters displaying images of the Sept. 11 attacks and other acts of terrorism.
"I feel like it is a fitting tribute for all 2,977 casualties," said Jeffrey Ivey, a political science junior and president of Americans for Prosperity.
