Campus group remembers the fallen

As course loads are becoming heavier and our minds are becoming more and more polluted with papers and looming midterms, the University of Cincinnati's College Democrats believe students need to be reminded why those relentless hours spent with our noses in open books and laptops are so conveniently accessible. Their tact behind accomplishing such a feat? Well, one may have possibly already spotted the 3,828 small, plastic flags covering the entirety of McMicken Commons.

In an effort to bring home what has only been viewable on television, over the radio or in newspapers everywhere, the College Democrats have placed one flag for each American soldier that has died in the Iraqi conflict across one of the most viewed areas on UC's campus.

"This is actually the second time we have done this event," said Robert Duncan, vice president of UC College Democrats. "The idea came last year when College Democrats wanted to find a specific way to honor the sacrifice of our heroes fighting in Iraq. Each fallen soldier has their place in our hearts, and we wanted to make sure everyone could see their sacrifice by placing a flag in their honor."

So they did, one by one, members of UC College Democrats, and even some passerbyers, placed flags in the ground to commemorate those that we have lost.

The flags barely trembled in Tuesday's slightly windy, muggy and overcast weather.

"It was really windy last year, and a lot of people stopped by to pick up flags that had been knocked over and placed them back in the ground. It was really touching," added Casey Trimble, president of UC College Democrats.

With the flags scheduled to be staying in the ground until Sunday, Trimble said that the message the UC College Democrats are trying to send out will be successfully conveyed.

The flags have already made an impact on those walking by Tuesday when they were being placed in the ground.

"One of my friends from back home died in Iraq and it hit me very personally," said first-year communication student Jessica Mears. "Knowing that one of these flags can represent him and what he did for our country makes me feel like I can be there for him in thought and prayer every time I walk by."

Mears and all other students will be able to do so until the flags are to be taken out at the close of this weekend.

"If it weren't for [AMVETS], this event never would have happened," Duncan said.

The Ohio AMVETS organization - a group committed to supporting United States veterans in Ohio - and UC's Student Senate provided the flags.

"The Iraqi conflict is a hot topic in the media, but the troops themselves are not always singled out and commended for their bravery and sacrifices," Duncan said. "Now more than ever, our troops need us to put aside politics and honor their sacrifice. Now more than ever, our soldiers need to hear a big thank you. And now, more than ever, they need to see that at the University of Cincinnati, we remember."

So between now and Sunday, as we take our own time to walk through a garden of flags toward class, keep in mind those that took the their own time, out of their life schedule to defend our rights as college students in America.