MAGNOLIA — Southern Arkansas University is hosting a 9/11 Day of Remembrance and Service ceremony Thursday from 12:15-12:45 p.m. in Harton Theatre.
Members of the community are invited to come remember those who lost their lives, to honor first responders and military personnel, and to encourage acts of service. First responders and military personnel in attendance will be honored during the program.
“That day represents one of the most deadly terrorist attacks on American soil, but it also exemplifies a time when Americans worked together in rescue and recovery and in responding to the needs of others,” said Deana Taylor, SAU’s community involvement coordinator. “When we gather to remember the events of that day and honor those who died, when we pay tribute to those who rush in as everyone rushes out, and when we seek to honor those who continue to serve our country, we are helping to make something good rise from the ashes of Ground Zero.”
SAU President Dr. David Rankin will be the keynote speaker.
“I had an opportunity to visit the twin towers memorial in New York City this summer. It is a stark and powerful reminder of the terrible events of September 11, 2001,” said Rankin. “We all remember where we were as we watched these terrible events unfold. It is fitting that we have continued to remember the suffering and sacrifice of this day and to reaffirm our determination to defend the freedoms we hold so dear.”
SAU sophomore Jacob Maness, a pre-vet student from Taylor, will also share his personal story from 9/11. He was connected to two men who died that day. The program will also feature music education major Jaymee King from Magnolia, who will sing God Bless America.
Taylor said that they will be encouraging people to look around in their own sphere of influence and find ways to help others, ways to make the world a better place, one act at a time. The “Do Something Good” campaign was inspired by the remarkable goodness, compassion and unity that people expressed immediately after the attacks.
