UK to host 9/11 memorial vigil
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 9, 2026) — The University of Kentucky Army and Air Force ROTC programs, in coordination with UK Pershing Rifles, will host UK’s annual 9/11 memorial vigil Friday, Sept. 11, honoring the lives lost during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
The event will begin at 8:46 a.m. on the front lawn of UK's Main Building, marking the moment the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The opening ceremony will feature remarks from Lt. Col. Thaddeus Morris, UK professor of military science, and Cadet Zachary Kuchle, commander of UK Pershing Rifles.
Throughout the day, ROTC cadets and members of Pershing Rifles will read the names of those who died in the attacks while maintaining a ceremonial guard at the flag. Guard shifts will change every 30 minutes, with a cadet standing watch at all times.
Local first responders, including representatives from UK Police, Lexington Police, Lexington Fire, EMS and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, will participate in the opening ceremony alongside UK cadets.
As part of the observance, Pershing Rifles members will place thousands of flags on the Main Building lawn and along surrounding walkways. In recognition of the 25th anniversary of the attacks, this year's display will also feature the number "25" formed with flags.
“This ceremony is important to us," said Owen Howey, a junior UK cadet and Kentucky National Guard member who is helping organize the event. "We dedicate a lot of time and effort each year because every American who lost their lives during the attack and in the military operations that followed don’t deserve to ever be forgotten. Many students and pedestrians last year came and asked us what we were doing when we were putting up the flags and even during the ceremony on 9/11. There's so many people who don’t even think about what happened 25 years ago, and even though the attacks occurred before many students were born, that day shaped our nation and the world forever. We hope our vigil reminds people of the strength of our nation and the sacrifices that have been made for our freedom."
The vigil will continue throughout the day and conclude at 6 p.m. with a ceremony to retire the colors.
The university community and public are invited to attend and reflect during this day of remembrance.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.