The Freedom From Terrorism Memorial was designed by Texas A&M graduate architect students Jorge Martinez ’07, David McMillin ’07, Hernan Molina ’07 and Mariano Ortiz ’07.A monument to Texas Aggies who have died in the fight against terrorism and those who guard our nation from future terrorist attacks was dedicated Oct. 17.
The Freedom From Terrorism Memorial, placed near the area of the Texas A&M campus housing the Corps of Cadets, is a gift from Texas A&M's Classes of 1968 and 2003. The memorial, designed by Texas A&M graduate architecture students, is dedicated to Texas Aggies who have made the ultimate sacrifice and those who will continue to make sacrifices in the effort to provide U.S. citizens freedom from terrorism. The memorial also includes the acknowledgement and thanks to the many Texas Aggies who guard and protect the United States from terrorist attacks.
"Throughout our University's 132-year history, Aggies have answered the call of our nation, serving in every conflict since the Spanish-American War," said Porter S. Garner III '79, executive director of The Association of Former Students. "It's no surprise that Aggies are engaged and at the forefront of the War on Terrorism."
Garner was joined by other speakers at the dedication ceremony including Dr. Elsa Murano, Texas A&M University President and Bill Jones, Class of 1981, chairman of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. Retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Hal M. Hornburg, Class of 1968, and U.S. Marine Capt. Dan Moran, Class of 2003, spoke on behalf of their respective Classes.
"Some may question what brought the Classes of 1968 and 2003 together in this endeavor," Garner said. Thirty-five years separate the two, he continued. In 1968, campus was predominantly male with a military base and an enrollment of 12,733. Through the years, campus changed. In 2003, enrollment shot up to 44,811, and the student population diversified, he said.
"Though their collegiate experiences were vastly different, both of these Classes graduated at a time when the United States was engaged in a military conflict and both Classes have answered 'here' at Muster for Classmates lost in service to our nation," Garner said. "No doubt, all of us gathered here value the concept of freedom."
Hornburg, the 2008 president of the board of The Association of Former Students, entered the Air Force in 1968 as a graduate from Texas A&M's Corps of Cadets with a bachelor's degree in finance. He retired in 2005 as the commander of the Air Combat Command, headquartered at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, and air component commander for the U.S. Joint Forces Command and U.S. Northern Command.
Moran was injured by an improvised explosive device while serving in Iraq in October 2006. He suffered second- and third-degree burns over more than half his body.
The monument was designed by four members of the Class of 2007—Jorge Martinez, David McMillin, Hernan Molina and Mariano Ortiz—while they were graduate architecture students at Texas A&M. Their design was chosen from 27 entries in a 2006 college-wide competition.
The design of the monument features a 22-foot concrete wall with an off-center gap intended to represent the people who have died while fighting to protect freedom. The memorial also includes three rows of 12 box-like shapes leading to the wall, which represent people who are involved in the battle against terrorism.
The memorial is located at the corner of Coke and Lubbock Streets.