Remember to Honor

Jessica Madison

September 11 is a day that brings sadness to so many people, and it is a day that will never be forgotten. Around the United States, there are many memorial ceremonies to remember and honor those who lost their lives that day and those who continue to fight for this country.

This is no different for WVU Parkersburg as they hold a memorial ceremony each year to honor those men and women. This year’s ceremony was lead by the Vice President for Student Services Anthony Underwood with.

President Dr. Fletcher Lamkin gave the opening remarks. He expressed his gratitude and concern for all the men and women involved.

Heather Skidmore, the Director of Student Financial Assistance sang the National Anthem and closed the ceremony with a group singing of America the Beautiful. The Veterans Corps raised the colors, while additional members of the organization rang the college bell sixteen times. The bell is rang once for each year since the event.

Mara Boggs, the guest speaker, spoke on behalf of U.S. Senator Joe Manchin. She presented a letter from the senator and a personal testimony about how September 11 affected her. She was a major for the 82nd Airborne in the United States Army serving tours in Afghanistan and Iraq while her husband and sister served as well. Her testimony proved that the events changed every American, but we came together to rise.

Mara’s speech closed with words from Sandy Dahl, wife of flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl.

“ If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.”