Young Americans for Freedom’s 9/11 Memorial Vandalized on Campus
The Young Americans for Freedom 9/11 “Never Forget” display, pictured on September 11, 2024. (Grace Jurchak/The Gettysburgian)
By Brandon Fey, News Editor
Each year, the Gettysburg College chapter of Young Americans for Freedom creates a public display of American flags on Stine Lake to commemorate the anniversary of Sept. 11 as part of its “Never Forget” project. Last month, a sign labeling the memorial was stolen and a bag of dog excrement was left behind.
“I am deeply disturbed by the behavior exhibited by individuals on Gettysburg College’s campus,” said YAF Chairman Tyler Seeman ’26. “Theft and vandalism have no place at colleges and universities and the circumstances are not improved by the fact that this crime was targeted against a 9/11 display dedicated to the victims of the deadliest terrorist attack in American history.”
The incident was reported earlier this month to Campus Safety. Due to a lack of evidence, no one has been found responsible for the vandalism.
“The incident was reported to Campus Safety. Unfortunately, while we have a photo of the bag of dog excrement, there were no eye-witnesses or new information that has come to light to allow us to fully investigate what happened,” said the College’s Chief Communications and Marketing Officer Jamie Yates. “If more information is available, we will certainly revisit the investigation. Of course, if this was done intentionally — both the dog excrement and the missing sign — it is deeply disrespectful and does not live up to our community values and expectations.”
Seeman said he was not pleased with the College’s response to the incident.
“I am disappointed that the College’s statement does not address the targeted theft against our chapter and I hope that they will soon remind the campus community of freedom of expression protections and practices,” he said.
He also commented on the greater context of the incident.
“It is regrettable that individuals on college property would take issue with remembering victims of terrorism on American soil, but not surprising given the current political climate on college campuses around the country,” Seeman stated.
