The UW chapters of College Republicans and College Democrats declare a political armistice each year to place flags on Bascom Hill, Stephen Duerst, UW senior and College Republicans chair said.

Members from both groups meet around 6 a.m. to place flags in the ground with the goal of reminding students about the tragic event that shook the world nine years ago, Duerst said.

2,772 flags will be placed on Bascom Hill, one for each person who died in the attacks.

2010 is not the first year the groups have done the memorial he added, but it is the first year a ceremony of some kind will not be held.

In the past, people have spoken about the attacks, which Duerst said added more to the display.

Chair of UW’s College Democrats and UW junior Evan Giesemann said he was disappointed to hear about the omission.

“It’s really too bad logistical problems are keeping us from doing that,” he said. “It’s a good way to remind students of what happened that day.”

Duerst said UW’s Central Reservations Office informed him speakers are no longer permitted on Bascom Hill, only displays.

While he shares Giesemann’s disappointment, Duerst said the memorial still sends the same message.

“I think this is the defining event of our generation…we need to pay tribute and recognize that,” Duerst said.

The event started after a conservative group on campus – Young America’s Foundation – came up with the idea, which eventually led to College Republicans taking the reins. Once College Republicans took over, they invited the College Democrats to help.

Giesemann said the memorial demonstrates to students how important the day is through the cooperation of the typically rival student organizations.

“I think it’s really symbolic that we can come together every year,” he said. “I think it shows the campus that there’s something more important in the world than politics.”