UA students, faculty and staff are being asked to show their patriotism to commemorate 9/11 by being part of a human flag.
The human flag creation will take place on Saturday at Sancet Stadium, the former UA baseball field, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pizza and water will be provided to attendees. Students and university affiliates are encouraged to wear red, service members are encouraged to wear blue, and city employees and community members are encouraged to wear white.
The Associated Students of the University of Arizona and the office of Democratic Congressman Raul Grijalva are collaborating to put on the event. ASUA paid $500 to cover the cost of using the stadium and will also cover the cost of food, unless they find a sponsor. Other organizations involved include Habitat for Humanity, Tucson Chamber Artists, Winding Road Theater Ensemble and the City of Tucson.
ASUA President James Allen said the event is important because it shows the UA community and Tucson coming together to create the biggest symbol America has — the flag.
“It speaks volumes to those who suffered (in the 9/11 tragedy),” he said. “A flag is everyone together. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you are, what you do or don’t do.”
Allen said “it would be great” if 500 students could help create the human flag, and that he hopes at least 1,000 people total will attend. Students who attend have a chance to win UA football tickets, which will be given away at the event.
In addition to symbolizing the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the human flag has been a tradition in Tucson since 2001. The first human flag took place on Sept. 15, 2001, at the Tucson Electric Park. Tens of thousands of people gathered to create it.