There was complete silence in the Armory's auditorium except for a lone trumpet playing "Taps" while the U.S. Air Force Cadets commemorated the victims of Sept. 11 with the lighting of candles, prayers and a moment of silence.

This was one of few events on campus to remember the victims of Sept. 11. The vigil held at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts last year did not take place this year and no additional ceremonies were displayed on the Quad.

Some students, such as sophomore in LAS Danielle Tripicchio, said they were surprised at the lack of attention paid to the anniversary of Sept. 11.

"It is still relevant," she said. "It touched people personally and there is nothing to commemorate it."

Erin Carmichael, a graduate student, attended a service at Notre Dame last year and hoped for the same type of remembrance here this year.

Robin Kaler, University spokeswoman, said the campus has held three memorial services — two during the week of the attacks and one last year.

"As part of the healing process it is important for people to normalize their lives and continue living," she said.

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post 630, 1303 E. Main St., held a dinner to commend Urbana police and fire departments and city workers.

"We didn't realize how important these people were until two years ago," said VFW post commander Jim Butler, adding that he never knew the extent of the role public works had in the cleanup of disasters until Sept. 11.

Butler said the day was a success and the turnout at the VFW dinner was encouraging. Urbana fire chief Rex Mundt made an appearance along with other officials and retired veterans.

Next year, the VFW will sponsor a Sept. 11 dinner where public works, the fire department, police officers and deputies will be invited and an additional appreciation dinner, he said.

Butler, a Vietnam veteran, said he thinks "American people are being very united after Sept. 11" and wishes there were more patriotism in the 1960s and 1970s. He said he was treated unfairly after returning from his first trip to Vietnam.

"The American people need to keep backing our troops," he said. "Right or wrong, our commander in chief tells us what to do."