Hundreds of students, staff and alumni gathered Friday evening in University Yard for a candlelit vigil and memorial in honor of those who died in the 9/11 attacks.

The vigil began with an opening prayer from Father Greg Shaffer of the Newman Catholic Student Center, which was followed by the lighting of nine candles on stage, the number of alumni GW lost in the attacks. The GW Troubadours also delivered a performance in front of a silent crowd.

Assistant Vice President of Student and Academic Support Services Helen Cannaday Saulny spoke at the event and recalled the moment she first learned of the attacks eight years ago.

“I was driving to campus and heard it over the radio,” she said. She also called on the audience to understand the lessons learned from 9/11.

“Out of ashes and smoke emerged unity, compassion and action. Today, we stand united as a university and a nation,” she said.

Freshman Allison Latham said of 9/11, “It made me more aware and more involved in world events and international affairs.”

Freshman Lauren Gleason added, “I remember being so struck by the loss.and everyone in the nation for once agreed on something. I went to the vigil to remember those who died.”