Southeast Missouri 9/11 Memorial at Academic Hall

SEMO’s Office of Military and Veterans Services held a Patriot Day event at Academic Hall on Monday, Sept. 12 at 7:40 a.m.

Show-Me Guard Officer Leadership Development Program (GOLD) active members and Air Force ROTC Detachment 205 cadets gathered to honor those who lost their lives during the Sept.11 terrorist attacks.

Twenty one years ago, two planes crashed into the New York World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon, and the last in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The University annually holds this event in front of Academic Hall to honor the 2,977 people who lost their lives that day.

Nearly 3,000 mini American flags were placed in front of Academic Hall to represent the first responders, military members and civilians whose lives were lost in the tragedy.

Liaison of the Office of Military and Veterans Services Amanda Woods spoke after the flag was positioned at half-staff by two military students, SEMO Air Force ROTC Cadet Brandon Wheeler, and Show-Me Gold active member Shamima Sadiquullah.

“What I vividly remember most about Sept. 11—there is the unity that our country experienced, that our world experienced,” Woods said. “People from different backgrounds, beliefs and walks of life stood shoulder to shoulder rescuing, caring for and supporting one another.”

National Guard retired Major General Cassie A. Strom presented Woods with an American flag that was flown over the attacked cities.

“I want to commend you for having this ceremony because as we get further and further away from the day that the event happened, it becomes easier and easier to forget,” Strom said.