CULLOWHEE – On Sept. 11, 2001, America changed. Thousands of people lost their lives on that fateful day inside the Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and on a plane in Shanksville, Pa., due to terrorist’s attacks.
Through both reflective and engaging programs, Western Carolina University will pause to remember the events of that day and the impact on us as individuals, as a community, and as a nation. To facilitate this day of remembrance, the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning, along with other campus partners including Military Student Services, Student Government Association, Staff Senate, Health and Wellness, Educational Outreach, and the Chancellor’s Office, have organized the following programs:
- 9/11 Days of Service on Friday, Sept. 10 and Saturday, Sept. 11. We will engage nearly 100 volunteers across a range of projects around our community. Learn more at Engage.
- 9/11 Remembrance Memorial: We will display 2,977 American flags between the Alumni Tower and the University Center commemorating lives lost. You will have the opportunity to visit and pay your respects from noon Friday, Sept. 10 to noon Monday, Sept. 13.
- 9/11 Reflection Walk, a marked walk, sponsored by the Office of Military Services, opens for reflection at noon Friday, Sept. 10 through noon Monday, Sept. 13. A QR code will be provided so that attendees will have access to a list of all those who lost their lives on 9/11.
- First-Responder Gratitude Baskets: We will deliver special baskets to local first responder organizations with notes of appreciation and goodies to demonstrate our support and appreciation as a community, supported by the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning, Military Student Services, and the Chancellor’s Office.
- 9/11 Reflection and Commemorative Video: We will present a video at wcu.edu that includes voices of students who reflect on the impact that 9/11 had on their lives and the world.
For more information, contact Lane Perry, at 227-2643. Perry is the executive director of the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning and chair of the Sept. 11 Commemorative Events Committee.
– Western Carolina University release
