This bit of ridiculousness deserves to be quoted in full. What a bunch of fags. For the records, I never attended this school.

Sept. 11, 2001, changed America forever.

In a time of tragedy, our nation and our campus banded together in one of the most stirring displays of unity ever seen. We gathered for prayer and meditation, mourning the loss of life and celebrating newfound heroes. We showed terrorists worldwide we would not, could not, be cowed.

Now, it is one year later. The events of Sept. 11 have resonated deep within our hearts and souls; they have become a part of our national consciousness. After Sept. 11, the meaning of "American" was defined in no uncertain terms.

An American was strong, an American was resolute, an American was brave. An American gave time and effort to assist those in need; an American took time to commemorate that which needed remembrance.

Here at WSU, we too are part of a large and dynamic community.

We are Cougars.

Being a Cougar is more than cheering at a football game or attending class at WSU. A Cougar is something much greater, much more profound.

A Cougar is brave. A Cougar knows when to do the right thing and does not let fear stand in the way.

A Cougar is strong. A Cougar knows true strength is not expressed in physical terms, but in strength of spirit.

A Cougar is the first to act out against injustice, knowing all too well the words of Martin Luther King Jr. are true: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

A Cougar values free speech. A Cougar models Voltaire's words: "I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

A Cougar values diversity. A Cougar knows our community is stronger for it and respects the differences of others.

A Cougar enjoys learning. A Cougar learns from books, from teachers, from real life.

A Cougar enjoys teaching. A Cougar shares knowledge with others, helping them to grow stronger.

A Cougar shows respect for our world. A Cougar knows our resources are limited and takes steps not to waste things needlessly.

A Cougar shows respect for our campus. A Cougar strives to keep our campus clean and well-maintained.

A Cougar honors commitments. A Cougar knows their word is the best bond and makes every effort to follow through.

A Cougar helps others. Whether volunteering for charity or just holding the door open, a Cougar believes in giving cheerfully.

A Cougar stands tall and proud, looking adversity in the eye and challenging it.

More than 16,000 students attend this university.

We come from all over the world, from all walks of life. We have different personalities and different goals.

But what ties us together is the sense of Cougar pride that made us a family on Sept. 11 - the kind of family that sticks together through tough times.

While the World Trade Center and the Pentagon burned and crumbled in the East, people on the West Coast could do nothing but watch in shock and horror.

As the week wore on, students at WSU rebounded from their shock to come together and support each other.

To take the hand of a stranger during a prayer vigil.

To walk next to someone from biology or English class during a procession to Reaney Park.

To light a candle in honor of the lost loved ones of a fraternity brother or neighbor across the hall.

To stop for a moment of silence on the Mall, sharing in the pain of others.

To become a family of Cougars.

One year ago today, a group of terrorists boarded planes in New York and New Jersey.

They drove our planes into buildings with the intention of shattering America.

They did anything but.

WSU students did not let the spirit and pride of America be lost.

Blue ribbons replaced sorority pins while red, white and blue dressed residence hall windows and candlelight lit the dark autumn nights.

And through it all, our flag flew proud.

WSU students did not allow a solitary act of hatred to bring us down. Did not allow our pride as Americans, as Cougars, to wane.

For a Cougar truly bleeds crimson.

We stood tall.

We continue to stand tall as we move on.

But we never will forget.

Jennifer Jackson and Rob Keenan,

for the editorial board