West Virginia University Army and Air Force ROTC students will join together on Friday (Sept. 11) to hold a 24-hour remembrance vigil for those who lost their lives during the 9/11 terrorist attacks—attacks that killed more than 3,000 people, in Lower Manhattan, at the Pentagon and southwestern Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001.

Starting at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, two ROTC students will stand guard in front of the 9/11 memorial on campus located near the Downtown Library. The students will rotate out each hour for 24 hours as they show respect and tribute to those individuals who lost their lives that day.

At 8:45 a.m., the Cadets will perform a wreath-laying ceremony to symbolize when the first plane struck the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York City, killing approximately 2,700 people. Two alumni were among the victims: Jim K. Samuel Jr. and former quarterback Chris S. Gray, when hijacked American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 were intentionally crashed into the north and south towers of the World Trade Center.

“This event is important to all ROTC cadets for two reasons,” said Cadet Amy Severs. “September 11 represents not only a day of immeasurable tragedy, but a day of outstanding sacrifice and heroism. Selfless service and courage are two of the main pillars of our profession so we take great care to honor and learn from all those who gave their lives to protect their fellow man than day.”

New York City firefighters, police officers, officers of the Port Authority, EMTs and paramedics were also among the victims who perished at the World Trade Center.

“Two, it is a reminder to all cadets, as it should be to all Americans that we are not invincible. It is imperative that we continue our daily mission to protect this country and its people because days like September 11 can never be predicted,” said Severs.

At the Pentagon, 184 people were killed when hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the building, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, 40 passengers and crew members aboard United Airlines Flight 93 lost their lives when the plane crashed into a field.

A tree outside the Downtown Library will be lit for the day, as well.

For more information on the WVU ROTC, visit http://armyrotc.wvu.edu/.

-WVU-

ta/9/4/15

CONTACT: Steven Clark, ROTC
304.293.7544, steven.clark@mail.wvu.edu

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