ATHENS, Ohio -- Readings and musical selections will punctuate a ceremony at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, on Ohio University's College Green to commemorate events of one year ago. "A 9/11 Commemoration: Remember, Honor & Hope," designed by and intended for members of the university and Athens communities, will be held on the West Portico of Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium.
A highlight of the evening will be the displaying of commemorative quilts on which individuals are encouraged to express their personal thoughts and feelings on one-foot-square sections. Six quilts will be available around campus and at the Athens Community Center and Athens County Courthouse Sept. 9 to 11.
Following the ceremony, a large-screen TV viewing of coverage of national commemorative events will be held inside Memorial Auditorium, followed by a silent candlelight vigil on the College Green.
Among individuals and groups participating in the ceremony are Ohio University President Robert Glidden, Athens Mayor Ric Abel, Ohio University Provost Stephen Kopp, Student Senate President Katherine Smith, The Local Girls, the Singing Men of Ohio, the Gospel Voices of Faith, Ohio University students, and representatives of police, fire, emergency services, armed forces and the American Red Cross.
"On Sept. 11, the community is going to come together and recognize not only those victims of the disasters of last year but also to honor those in the police, fire and emergency medical services who stand ready to assist each of us every day of our lives. It's not only important to recognize those who perished a year ago but also recognize those who serve today and tomorrow for all of us," Abel said.
Ohio University Dean of Students Terry Hogan said, "Members of the university and Athens communities are working cooperatively to create an event that will remember those who were victims last September, to honor those who responded to the tragedy and to look forward with a sense of hope about our future."
A committee of Ohio University students, faculty and staff, and members of the Athens community is planning the event.
The ceremony is one of several Athens-area events observing the anniversary of September 11, 2001. An updated listing of local activities focused on September 11 is being maintained at the Web site www.ohio.edu/reflections.
