UH Remembers 9/11 with Events, Day of Service

Sept. 11 (or 9/11) will forever resonate with Americans. The terrorist attacks that occurred on that day in 2001 left nearly 3,000 people dead and destroyed the World Trade Center. While those events shocked the nation, they also unified Americans.

The University of Houston’s Student Center and Veterans Services will present a day of free activities that allow the public to reflect on the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

The day starts at 9 a.m. with a remembrance ceremony at the UH World Trade Center Memorial and Reflection Garden (at the south entrance of Student Center South). Community members are invited to this outdoor event to pay tribute to those killed during the attacks and honor the heroes who quickly responded to the crisis.

At 11 a.m., the Student Center hosts a panel discussion on 9/11 in the Student Center Theater. Speakers include Maj. Gen. Barrye Price of the U.S. Army, who was one of the first responders following the collapse of the World Trade Çenter’s towers. At 7 p.m., the film “United 93” will be screened in the same theater.

Throughout the day, visitors can share thoughts on a 9/11 Memory Wall located near the Student Center’s main entrance. Memories for the wall can be submitted at the Student Center (using cards) or online. Visitors also can view a daylong 9/11 photo exhibition that will be on display outside of the theater. They also can pick up remembrance ribbons at the Student Center Information Desk.

Visit the Student Center’s Remembering 9/11 site for more details on the day’s events.

The day after the Student Center events, members of the UH community will participate in the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. From 7:30 a.m. – noon on Sept. 12, Coogs will contribute their time and energies to the Houston Food Bank. The effort will pay tribute to 9/11 victims and survivors while helping Houstonians in need. To volunteer for this event, visit the Houston Food Bank’s portal. Cougar volunteers are encouraged to wear red.

Coogs have regularly come together to honor those impacted by 9/11. In 2014, the University officially welcomed the World Trade Center Memorial and Reflection Garden to campus. Located outside of the Student Center (along University Drive), the garden features a 3,888 pound piece of steel that once belonged to the World Trade Center. Students were instrumental in obtaining this piece of history to remind future generations of Coogs of this moment in American history.