Andrea Bommarito, environmental studies and agriscience junior and MSU College Republican fundraising chair, said the driving force behind the event is to preserve the memory of what happened nine years ago.

“We were all so young when this happened,” Bommarito said. “It’s hard for younger generations to remember what happened. I hope by us doing this they remember year after year and get a better understanding of what this country actually stands for.”

Each year the MSU College Republicans paint the rock red, white and blue with the phrase “9/11 Never Forget,” and fill the field behind it with miniature American flags in memory of the victims of 9/11.

“Each flag represents two people who died in the 9/11 attacks,” said Rachel Urbis, a premedical sophomore and the group’s recruitment chair.

The MSU Republicans added a singer to the event this year to get more students involved, said Kyle Wallace, international studies senior and MSU College Republicans’ secretary.

Meyer sang the National Anthem and a rendition of “Have you Forgotten” by Darryl Worthy. Meyer — who also is a member of the MSU College Republicans — said the opportunity to combine her passion for song and politics made the event special for her.

“I’ve been singing since I was five years old and this is the best way that I can think of to be able to do something special for today,” Meyer said. “Anything that I can do to contribute even in the smallest way is great for me.”

For Meyer, a New Jersey native, the events of 9/11 were more than a terrifying image on a TV screen. It was a deeply personal experience, she said.

“When you meet people who’ve lost a parent or lost a brother or lost an uncle or something like that, it really hits close to home,” Meyer said. “It’s a lot more personal for me, being from that area, than it is for a lot of other people. Not to say that everybody isn’t affected by it — it just hits a little closer to home.”