Marietta College will bring together veterans, students, faculty, staff, civic organizations and community members on Friday, Sept. 11, for a community-wide commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The open-house-style event will take place from 3-6 p.m. outside on campus. The rain location is the Center for Appalachian Innovation at Marietta College, 508 Putnam St. All are invited and welcome to attend.
Centered on the theme, “Our Neighbors, Never Forgotten,” the commemoration will honor regional individuals lost during or as a result of 9/11 while creating opportunities for reflection, gratitude and service. Memorial yard signs honoring individuals lost will be displayed throughout campus and project sites, along with American flags placed in remembrance.
“We are a college deeply rooted in the Mid-Ohio Valley, and this 25th anniversary is meaningful to our entire community. This commemoration honors those lost from Ohio, West Virginia, and across our nation, as well as the service members who answered the call after that day. By coming together in remembrance and community service, we are putting our campus values into action,” said Jason Nulton, director of Veteran and Military Services and associate director of Community Engagement at Marietta College.
Attendees will have opportunities to participate in hands-on service activities including writing thank-you cards to active-duty military personnel, veterans and first responders and assembling care packages for those in need. A new display, designed by Marietta College student Kaira Gulett and created by the Appalachian Ohio Manufacturer’s Coalition, will be showcased.
“Our Neighbors, Never Forgotten” is part of a broader 9/11 Day initiative at Marietta College that will engage the campus and surrounding community throughout September to honor the legacy of 9/11. Support for this initiative has been provided through grant funding from 9/11 Day, AmeriCorps and Community Campus Coalition.
The initiative also includes Change for Change, a fundraising and awareness campaign by Marietta College students focused on veteran mental health, particularly in Appalachian communities where access to behavioral health resources may be limited. The campaign will run through Sept. 25.
Community service projects will also provide opportunities for students and community members to commemorate 9/11 through acts of service. Marietta Morning Rotary, Marietta Noon Rotary and the Belpre Rotary will be supported by Marietta College and completed with GoPacks, the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, and local fire departments. Students from the Washington County Career Center’s Students Solving Problems group, Washington State College of Ohio, Marietta College, Marietta High School’s Interact group and Williamstown High School’s senior interns will be leading and serving through projects to commemorate 9/11 Day as well.
The 9/11 Day initiative reflects a collaborative effort among Marietta College, civic organizations and community partners to honor those affected by the events of Sept. 11 while connecting remembrance with meaningful service. For more information, contact Heather Miller, director of Community Engagement, at hee002@marietta.edu.