A Decade After 9/11, UK Honors Victims in Various Ways

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 6, 2011) − The University of Kentucky is joining millions of people around the country in recognizing the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. A number of events going on at UK or involving the university will remember and show respect to the victims of that dark day in United States history.

 Activities are being conducted by the UK ROTC, the Center for Community Outreach (CCO) and the College of Design.

Beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 9, the UK Pershing Rifles Cadets will conduct their annual memorial vigil for the lives lost on 9/11 at the flag pole on the Administration Lawn,

reading the name of each victim lost in the attacks, as well as posting a small American flag for each life lost. The vigil will end at 5 p.m. with the lowering of the state and national flags.

The Pershing Rifles is a military fraternal organization for college-level students founded by 2nd Lieutenant John J. Pershing in 1894. The UK Pershing Rifles Chapter was chartered on Dec. 7, 1931.

"As we observe the 10th anniversary of 9/11/01, we should draw strength and inspiration from our brave first responders and service members who that day, and 10 years later, put the welfare of others ahead of their own," said Lt. Colonel Jason Cummins, professor of Military Science, UK Army ROTC.

Due to the fact that 9/11 falls on Sunday this year, the CCO has decided to host its events from 10 a.m.-noon Monday, Sept. 12, at the Student Center Patio.

UK students, faculty, staff and community members will have a chance to contribute to the "I Will" wall on Sept. 12, taking a few moments to put themselves in the service of others by describing what they will do to help others in the coming year.

"September 11 is a National Day of Service and Remembrance, and as the Center for Community Outreach, we felt it was our duty to provide a resource and outlet to our students, faculty and staff who would like to participate in commemorating the 10th anniversary of 9/11," said Jillian L. Pyatte, coordinator of community outreach in the Office of Student Involvement at UK.

Later that evening CCO will sponsor a screening of "9/11: The Firefighters Story," which depicts the effects of 9/11 on the NYFD and its families. The screening will be held in SC 106 at the Center for Student Involvement.

"9/11 Day is a positive way for Americans to honor and remember the 9/11 victims, survivors and responders," said Pyatte.

The UK College of Design will be participating in a 10th anniversary memorial service for 9/11 in Northern Kentucky this weekend. The college partnered with St. Elizabeth Healthcare Hospice to create a memorial sculpture made from a piece of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center towers. The St. Elizabeth Healthcare World Trade Center Memorial will be unveiled at a memorial service scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, Ky.

All these events are free and open to the public.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Erin Holaday Ziegler, (859) 257-5365, erin.holaday@uky.edu