Students put out 2,996 flags in remembrance of the victims of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

CANTON — Nearly 20 St. Lawrence University students gathered outside Gunnison Memorial Chapel around 11 p.m. last night, ready to blanket the top half of the Quad with 2,996 flags in remembrance of those who died on Sept. 11, 2001.

The SLU Republicans started the tradition a few years ago and were joined by members of SLU Democrats and SLU Students for Liberty for the first time this year.

“We all believe it’s important for the entire St. Lawrence community to remember the victims, but also the heroes like the firemen, policemen and others who stepped up to the challenge in a tragic situation,” said junior Madison Moore, president of the SLU Republicans.

It took the groups nearly an hour to complete the flag display, and it will take about the same amount of time to take them down at midnight on Wednesday.

“We want to make sure they are up for the full 24 hours; it’s more meaningful that way,” Madison said, noting that in the years since she’s been at St. Lawrence, the memorial has provided students, faculty and staff with a place to stop and reflect.

Five of the flags have names next to them and are set apart in memory of the Laurentians who died as a result of the attacks: Robert J. “Bobby” Coll ’88, Catherine Gorayeb ’82, Christopher Morrison ’89, Michel A. “Mike” Pelletier ’88 and Richard H. “Richie” Stewart Jr. ’89.