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“We will never forget the terrorist attacks that took place on September 11, 2001 – not after one year, not after five years and not after 10 years,” said Candice Hozza, community development coordinator. The University community will come together for a special three-day commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, from September 11-13.
“Many of our students were young when September 11, 2001, occurred. I want them to know and to remember how strong we are,” said Hozza. “My hope and goal of this 10-year commemorative event is to remember that we rallied from the tragedy and that the American spirit excelled through this horrific moment in our country. My personal focal point and personal contribution will be on healing of the American heart and those in the Millersville community.”
On each of the three days, bells will ring once at 8:46 a.m., twice at 9:03 a.m., three times at 9:37 a.m. and four times at 10:03 a.m., one for each attack that took place on 9/11.
Events planned for Sunday, September 11, include a 7 p.m. service of remembrance, featuring a performance by the United Christian Fellowship Choir, and the placement of memorial flags by ROTC members as well as those students in attendance. Earlier in the day, the peer mentors at Millersville, along with other students, will cover the sidewalks of campus, starting at Swan Pond, with the names of the 2,753 individuals who lost their lives as a result of 9/11 – using chalk.
“In 2002, during the first anniversary of 9/11, the University community created a Wall of Remembrance in an effort to heal from the events that occurred. Members of the University and the community were invited to write on the wall and share their thoughts and prayers,” remembers Hozza, who was involved in planning the first anniversary, and now the 10th anniversary, too.
On Monday, September 12, a slide show presentation featuring the Wall of Remembrance and a display of past events and the events of 9/11, will run all day in the SMC atrium. Students, faculty, staff and members of the community are invited to stop by and share reflections, thoughts and prayers, remembering those lost on that day.
At noon, a plaque and eagle will be re-installed at the SMC and re-dedicated to Millersville University students who have served our country in the armed forces, law enforcement and public service. This event will take place at the SMC Clock Tower and will feature Dr. Aminta Hawkins-Breaux, vice president for student affairs, and Millersville University’s Marching Band.
The commemoration will conclude September 13 at 5 p.m. with a memorial service offered to Millersville University students and alumni who gave the ultimate sacrifice and dedicated to their surviving family members. The memorial service, which will take place in Reighard Multipurpose Room in the SMC, will feature a flag presentation to the wife and family of LT. Demetrius Frison, a 2008 Millersville University alum killed in Afghanistan; ROTC Color Guard; a resolution by NAACP; a dance tribute by Brittany McClinton; bagpipes procession to the pond; and a performance by Gospel Choir at Millersville University.
For more information, contact Hozza at Candice.Hozza@millersville.edu or 717-872-3489.
