On Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, city residents and university members across Gainesville commemorated what happened on 9/11, 20 years ago. UF Young Americans for Freedom planted 2,977 flags in the ground to represent the lives lost. About 50 people gathered at Reserve Park to share stories about how 9/11 impacted them. Collegiate Veterans Society members, firefighters and friends met at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to climb the steps to honor those who climbed the tower stairs and saved thousands of lives.
Esha Nair
Esha is currently a second year Psychology student at the University of Florida. In the past, she worked as the Chief Editor at Delhi Public School, Bangalore North. In her free time, Esha loves to read and play video games.
Alan Halaly
Alan Halaly is a third-year journalism major and the Spring 2023 Editor-in-Chief of The Alligator. He's previously served as Engagement Managing Editor, Metro Editor and Photo Editor. Alan has also held internships with the Miami New Times and The Daily Beast, and spent his first two semesters in college on The Alligator’s Metro desk covering city and county affairs.
Lauren Witte
Lauren is a third year photojournalism student pursuing a minor in Spanish. She has shot photos for Fresh Take Florida and the Gainesville Sun. Lauren likes roller skating in her free time.
Related
Florida Gators vs. Florida State Seminoles
Nov. 30The Florida Gators beat the Florida State Seminoles 40-21 on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Florida Gators vs. Ole Miss Rebels
Nov. 16The Florida Gators lost to the Ole Miss Rebels 34-24 on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Oxford, Mississippi.
