FAU students and the Jupiter community marked the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks with sadness, reflection, reverence, and patriotism at the Hibel Museum on the Jupiter campus. The dark, cloudy, rainy weather matched the serious, gloomy mood of the day.

The Hibel Museum observed the solemn anniversary of these terrorist attacks by erecting a 5,000 Flowers memorial, entitled “Freedom’s Flowers: South Florida Remembers.” The 5,000 flowers project was envisioned by Carol Adamec and Sondra Diepen, artists from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Their vision was to “inspire exhibitions and events which support creative expressions while honoring those who perished in the World Trade Center tragedy and aftermath.” This Sept. 11, 5,000 Flowers ceremonies took place across the country. The Hibel Museum’s exhibition featured “Freedom’s Flowers,” a painting by Edna Hibel, and 15 other works of art featuring flowers.

“Flowers have always been a symbol of comfort and peace in any social setting,” said Fred Martz, director of the Hibel Museum.

Also displayed at the museum was a flag flown at Ground Zero. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s department was presented with the flag on July 3, 2002 by members of the New York Police department in appreciation for South Florida’s hospitality during their vacation.

In a somber ceremony lead by the song of the bagpipe, the Sheriff’s department brought in the flag, hung it on the window, and stood guard over it all day. Students and members of the community stopped by to see the flag, pay their respects, and leave a flower at the site.

Members of the community and the local media joined the FAU family in a ceremony that brought tears to the eyes of many spectators. Dean Mech, Dr. Mertaugh, Dr. Barret, and Dr. Lanning were among the speakers from the Honors College at the event. The mayor of Jupiter, Sheriff Ed Bieluch, and Edna Hibel also spoke at the event.

The MacArthur Student Government provided red and white carnations all over campus for students to take to the memorial.

“It was great to see that much of the student population at the Honors College stopping by throughout the day to pay their respects,” said Casey Cable, student ambassador.

“Freedom’s Flowers” and all of the other floral art from the exhibition will be on display through September 24 at the Hibel Museum. For more information, call 561/622-5560.