In an event majestic in its simplicity, hundreds of Chico State University students stood in reverential silence Thursday, briefly remembering what nobody will ever forget.

On the second anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, Chico State decided to mark the occasion with an event that was almost a non-event.

Joe Wills, campus director of public affairs, said the idea was to remember the disaster of two years ago, without forcing people to relive the horror. No speakers were scheduled and no activities planned.

The event consisted of an extended ringing of the Trinity Hall chimes at noon and the playing of "Taps" by a lone trumpeter.

Just before noon Thursday roughly 300 people lingered in the shade around the campus free speech area, a grassy quad just east of the Meriam Library and immediately north of the Bell Memorial Union.

Just at noon, as the Trinity chimes began to sound, silence fell over the throng. People walking along the campus paths came to a halt.

The sound of the chimes had just faded when Chico State student Nick Froechlich, standing about 100 yards from the free speech area, played the mournful tones of "Taps" on the trumpet.

People who had remained seated during the sounding of the chimes, stood as "Taps" echoed off the venerable campus buildings.

Froechlich concluded, and the silence lingered.

It was almost two minutes after "Taps" ended before the sound of talk and laughter began to ripple through the crowd, and the people began to disperse.

Tears began to form in Lacy McCreary's eyes as "Taps" was playing, as she stood on the edge of the crowd.

After the moments of silence, she explained, "I'm going into the Army so it is kind of emotional."

Then she added, "I just hope all of these kids standing here know what they are being silent for."