The cannon will be shot at 6 a.m. sharp, signifying the beginning of the run Friday.
OXFORD, Miss. – This year marks the 14th anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on domestic American soil, and the University of Mississippi’s ROTC program honors those who lost their lives in the attack and the first responders who sacrificed their lives with the fifth annual 9/11 run on Friday morning.
“9/11 should be an important day for every U.S. citizen to be grateful and appreciative of the opportunities that still exist in America,” said Master Sgt. Matt Hayes, senior military instructor for Army ROTC at UM. “9/11 has opened the eyes of many, and it’s important to remember that freedom of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is worth fighting for.”
Community residents are encouraged to take part in this event, which will begin with a brief meeting at the Lyceum at 5:30 a.m. Friday. A cannon will be fired at 6 a.m. sharp to signify the start of the run.
“The run was started in earnest in 2010 by the ROTC programs because we felt this day had begun to have a decrease in remembrance and recognition,” said Michael Howland, a retired master sergeant and coordinator of UM Veteran and Military Services. “We felt starting the run was an opportunity for the ROTC programs and campus to remember the fallen.”
Cadets will lead the run with the American flag in tow. Throughout the run, they will sing military cadences to set the pace and tone for the participants. The run is not meant to be competitive; rather it is conducted out of respect for the fallen.
The route will take the runners from the Lyceum to around the Oxford Square and finish at the Grove stage. A guest speaker will discuss the impact and gravity of 9/11 after the race.
Howland praised the current ROTC leadership and greater Lafayette-Oxford-University community for their participation in this event.
“The new ROTC leadership has done so much, and events like these have grown under their tutelage,” he said.
Other 9/11 events
The UM Office of the Dean of Students and Volunteer Oxford invite the community to participate in all the events designed to remember Sept. 11.
L-O-U Community 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance Project
This year’s Lafayette-Oxford-University community 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance project will provide all members of the community with opportunities to participate in this day of service on Friday. Project participants, including students at L-O-U schools, will have a chance to write letters of gratitude and create art displays for L-O-U first responders and the nation’s military. All L-O-U community members are invited to participate in the project’s letter-writing campaign.
Drop-off letter stations will be located at Skipwith Cottage on the Oxford Square from 9 a.m. to noon and at the Ole Miss Student Union lobby from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.
Today
AmTrykes in Action Race
5:30-9:30 p.m. – The Circle at the University of Mississippi
Join the Ole Miss community in an event that benefits veterans with disabilities. Participating teams will race around the Circle on AmTryke tricycles (tricycles made for individuals who are unable to operate traditional bikes due to disabilities) and compete to be the first to complete 75 laps. Each team’s registration fee will cover the cost of an AmTryke for a veteran.
Friday
UM ROTC 9/11 Memorial Run
6 a.m. (5:45 a.m. formation) – Meet at the Lyceum
All members of the L-O-U community are invited to participate in this free 2-mile run. For more information, contact Master Sgt. Matt Hayes, Ole Miss Army ROTC, at 662-915-7085.
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
9:30 a.m. – Oxford Activity Center
Join the L-O-U community in remembering the events of 9/11, and help show thanks to L-O-U first responders. Michael W. Howland, coordinator of UM Veteran and Military Services, will be keynote speaker. The community will be recognized as a Purple Heart community to honor soldiers injured or killed in combat. The event is open to the public.
Saturday
Veteran/Military Appreciation Football Game, Ole Miss vs. Fresno State
2:30 p.m.
Free tickets to attend the Ole Miss vs. Fresno State football game are available to veterans, members of the military and their dependents. Representatives of the Military Order of the Purple Heart will present a proclamation to UM Acting Chancellor Morris Stocks to honor UM’s designation as a Purple Heart campus.
For tickets, call Michael Howland at 662-915-5021 or Master Sgt. Matt Hayes at 662-915-7085.