SUU’s Veterans Center Commemorates 20th Anniversary of September 11 Attacks
Published: September 09, 2021 | Author: Kenzie Lundberg | Read Time: 2 minutes
Southern Utah University’s Veterans Resource and Support Center will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on Friday, September 10, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. on the University’s Library Quad. The program will include an aviation flyover, remarks from veterans and a special musical number.
“This event is to pay tribute to a day in history that will always be remembered,” said Mike Miller, director of SUU’s Veterans Resource and Support Center. “We will never forget all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. We are grateful to our first responders, military, and veteran communities that continue to provide opportunity, safety, and security for our nation, community, and campus.”
SUU’s Aviation Department will begin the tribute with a 13 helicopter flyover to honor the 13 service members recently killed in Afghanistan. In addition, they will perform the missing man formation as an aerial salute to those who will never return home.
“It’s important to reflect on the devastating attacks that took place on 9/11, but also give thanks to the brave men and women who have been putting their lives at risk for the last 20 years,” said Micheal Mower, executive director and chief flight instructor of SUU's Aviation Program. “We will honor those whose lives were lost and those who returned home.”
The program will be led by United States Marine Corps veteran John Hohman, who will give the opening and closing remarks. SUU Aviation student and U.S. Navy Commander Erik Kjellgren, Cedar City Fire Department Chief Mike Phillips, Iron County Sheriff Ken Carpenter will also share their thoughts, and Student Veterans of America President and U.S. Navy veteran Kealii Shull will speak on the history of September 11.
An introduction to SUU’s Field of Flags will be given by Student Veterans of America Vice President and U.S. Army veteran Nick Majher. This year, the Veterans Center will place three blocks of flags on SUU’s Library Quad. The first section of 99 flags honors September 11 victims, the second section of 13 honors those that lost their lives in Afghanistan, and the last five honor the lives lost in the Navy helicopter crash last week.
The National Anthem will be performed by Cedar City resident Debra Stillman and Amazing Grace will be performed by Cedar City resident Joseph Gudmundson.
SUU Veterans Resource and Support Center provides military-connected students with programs and services to help them achieve their education goals and lead productive and meaningful lives. The Veterans Center is located in the Sharwan Smith Student Center.
Tags: Cedar City Veterans Center Aviation