What: We Will Never Forget, 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony
When: 9 a.m., Friday, Sept. 9
Where: Centennial Plaza, UTEP Campus
The University of Texas at El Paso will host a commemoration ceremony to reflect on the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The event also will pay tribute to the heroes and survivors of the attacks and the 2,996 people who lost their lives.
The ceremony will include a tribute to the American flag, presentation of colors, a special performance by the UTEP Concert Chorale and remarks from guest speaker Lt. John Schneider, a former NYPD officer who was one of the first responders on Sept. 11, 2001.
The unveiling and opening reception for the exhibition “We Will Never Forget” will take place in the Union Gallery, on the second floor of Union Building East, immediately following the ceremony. The exhibit will showcase photos, magazine and news clippings from Sept. 11, 2001; a hand-stitched American flag created by UTEP students with the names of those who died; and a 9/11 memory wall reflecting on where the UTEP community was when the attacks took place. The exhibit will be open to the public daily, weekends included, until Friday, Sept. 23.
Additionally, in recognition of the estimated 36,000 units of blood donated to the New York Blood Center following the 9/11 attacks, United Blood Services will hold a blood drive from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 9 on University Avenue between the Union and Liberal Arts buildings. United Blood Services will provide all donors with a free 9/11 commemorative shirt.
The ceremony, gallery exhibition and reception are free and open to the public. Members of the media, veterans, members of the military and representatives from area public service organizations are encouraged to attend.
The event is organized by UTEP’s Office of Student Life in collaboration with the Military Student Success Center, ROTC Color Guard, Police Department, Military Science Department, and Student Engagement and Leadership Center.
Parking is available for off-campus guests in the Sun Bowl Parking Garage.