September 11th memorials begin Wednesday night WEST LAFAYETTE, IN (wbaa) - The Purdue campus community is marking the anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks.

The commemoration begins Wednesday night at 7:00 with a survivor of the World Trade Center collapse speaking.

Earl Johnson will recall his life-altering experience after the two hijacked airplanes struck the center's two towers. His talk is in the Mechanical Engineering building.

Following his talk, Johnson will place the first of nearly 3,000 American flags on the Memorial Mall -- one each for a victim of the attacks.

Local Marine officer candidates will guard the memorial as the remaining flags are put in place.

Thursday morning at 9:11, a moment of silence will take place.

At 3:30 in the afternoon, the university's bell tower will chime in remembrance. © Copyright 2009, wbaa