As flags fly at half-staff on the Morgantown campus of West Virginia University, students and University officials are planning a special memorial service and bell ringing to remember the victims of Tuesdays horrific terrorist attacks. The University community and the general public are invited to attend.

The brief service will begin at 11:45 a.m. Friday, Sept. 14, in Woodburn Circle on the Downtown Campus, followed by a noon bell ringing on Oglebay Plaza. The bell is from the Armored Cruiser U.S.S. West Virginia, which served in World War I. Alpha Phi Omega (APO) service fraternity traditionally rings the bell for significant University events or in recognition of fallen leaders and friends.

Memorial service speakers include Student Government Association President Chris Ferro, Alpha Phi Omega member Gretchen Russell and President David Hardesty, followed by a moment of silence and the bell ringing. The Air Force ROTC will provide color guard for the event, and volunteers will distribute small American flags while supplies last.

In case of rain, the event will be held in the Mountainlair Ballrooms.

To provide an opportunity for all who want to attend, WVU Provost Gerald Lang announced today that WVU would close classes on the Downtown Campus from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and on the Evansdale, Law and Health Sciences Campuses from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. However, faculty and students with responsibility for patient care should continue to provide such services.

In other related activities, a second American Red Cross blood drive for the survivors of Tuesdays tragedy will be held Monday, Sept. 17, from noon-6 p.m. at the WVU Shell Building near the Coliseum.

Also, the state fire marshal’s office, through WVU ’s Fire Extension Service, is asking all recognized fire departments to submit lists of available firefighters and resources to send to New York or Virginia in response to Tuesdays terrorist attacks. Fire chiefs are to submit lists of firefighters who are at least 21 years old and have certification in Firefighter Level I and II, hazardous material operations, basic first aid and CPR to Tony Carrico at tcarric1@wvsfc.state.wv.us or fax 304_558_2537.