Silent tears were shed, silent prayers were prayed and silent smiles were made for the victims of the 9/11 attacks.

On the tenth anniversary of 9/11, people stepped along in silence at FAU’s Peace and Freedom Walk. It was one of many walks held around the country, according to FAU’s website.

FAU’s Director of Peace Studies Noemi Marin led the event on the morning of September 11, 2011. “This event is about commemorating 9/11 in a peaceful way,” Marin said. Fifty people met at the Boca campus’ Palm Beach Plaza and walked around campus for 40 minutes.

According to Marin, 2,977 steps were supposed to be taken to honor the 2,977 victims of 9/11, but 4,200 steps were counted. “We took steps for all the victims and everyone else that was affected,” said Marin.

The walk began when Marin rang a bell at 8:46 a.m., when the first plane hit the first tower. The walk went through areas like the Breezeway, S.E Wimberly Library and Innovation Village Apartments.

One of the walkers, Carmen Knight, felt like she was part of something bigger than herself. “There are more walks going on around the country and being part of this one helps me feel connected to everyone else.”

“I decided it was time for action and to have an activity that brings the [Peace Studies Program] and FAU together to promote a peaceful world,” Marin said.

To learn more about FAU Peace Studies, go to fau.edu/peacestudies.