CHESTERTON | Alexander Wingate stayed up until midnight Thursday morning before squeezing in some homework and preparing for his two tests this week.

His all-nighter was a preparation for a display of some 2,000 small American flags on the grounds of the Chesterton High School, each displaying the name of one of the slain from Sept. 11 attacks.

"This is important because we should always remember those who died, be it a war, a tragedy, or anything," the CHS junior said.

He and about a dozen students, most members of Wingate's Chesterton Conservative Club, displayed the memorial last year as well, raising funds for the purchase of the flags from community businesses, as well as chipping in themselves. This year, they decided to add names to the flags.

"All week after school we gathered people to write the 1,977 names with black markers, one on each flag. As we were setting them up at 5 a.m. this morning, we got cars honking in support of us, classmates calling on their phones, and we had a good response," said Wingate, who notes that school administrators also announced their effort on the intercom during morning announcements.

The students arranged the flags in lines, using a piece of twine to guide them.

Behind the flags, a single sign reads, "One flag, one life," demonstrating the unity of the students and the community in remembrance.

Wingate said he remembers the tragic event that took place seven years ago and is still affected by it, prompting him to do something like the flag display.

"I remember I was going to go to the dentist that morning and was eating my breakfast, just flipping channels and there was a breaking story. I was only 9 years old, but even then it got me scared and it sparked fear into the whole country," Wingate said.

He said it is important for students to remember this important day to get involved in their society and community.

"Some people think the youth are ignorant as to what's going on, but we're not," he said.

And the most important thing, Wingate said, is to never forget what happened seven years ago.

"One thing we can all do to help is just to remember," he said.