×

9/11 remembrances will be held

PARKERSBURG — A number of programs are being held this week to mark the 18th anniversary of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.

– Students at Parkersburg High School will hold a 9/11 memorial service at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday in remembrance of the lives lost to the terrorist attacks in 2001, which occurred in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.

The ceremony has become an annual event for the school and a way to honor the memories of those lost during the Sept. 11 attacks. Parkersburg native Mary Lou Hague, a 1992 PHS graduate, was a research analyst on the 89th floor in Tower 2 of the World Trade Center when terrorists flew a plane into the building.

The ceremony will be held at the flag pole in front of the school and is sponsored by the Parkersburg High School Student Council. Students can begin gathering at 7 a.m. and the horseshoe will be closed to vehicle traffic at 7:20 a.m., re-opening after the ceremony.

Student council members will be giving a presentation. The PHS A Cappella Choir will perform the National Anthem and the school’s alma mater. Organizers said members of local police and emergency departments have been invited to attend.

– Also in Parkersburg, West Virginia University at Parkersburg will hold its annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the flagpole in front of the main building to commemorate of the events of 9/11 and to honor the men and women who served, or are currently serving, in the armed forces and as first responders.

“The Veterans Corps of West Virginia University at Parkersburg would like to invite the entire community to join us for this special event to remember all those who were so senselessly killed on that terrible day and to honor the sacrifices of our military and first responders who have dedicated their lives to our protection and defense,” said WVU-P Veteran Advocate Darren Shearlock.

Capt. David Ozeroff, Naval Junior Reserves Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) Senior Naval Science instructor at PHS, will serve as the guest speaker for the event. Ozeroff has a distinguished career in the United States Navy and secondary education, and he will provide a unique insight on how the tragic events of 9/11 impacted the nation.

After his service in the Navy, which included directing operations for a state-of-the-art Navy watch center, providing around-the-clock monitoring, electronic reach back, and response for Naval Special Warfare forces deployed worldwide in support of the Global War on Terror, Ozeroff began mentoring high school students as a NJROTC instructor.

The Parkersburg High School Navy JROTC will provide a color guard to raise the flag and ring the college bell 18 times, with each ring counting the total years since 9/11.

In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the college theater or College Activities Center.

– In Marietta, Marietta College will be conducting a brief 9/11 remembrance at 8:45 a.m. Wednesday for those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

The ceremony will be held at the flagpole on The Christy Mall. Brenden Smith ’22, who is majoring in both Music Therapy and Vocal Ensemble, will sing the “Star-Spangled Banner” and MC President Bill Ruud will follow with remarks to commemorate the day. There will be coffee and pastries.

– Also in Marietta, Washington State Community College will hold a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday on the front lawn of the WSCC campus on Colegate Drive.

The event will honor local first responder and veterans and commemorate the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks as part of the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance.

It will include presentations by the Marietta High School Vocal Point Choir, The Marine Corps League Sgt. Bob O’Malley Detachment 1436, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5108 and American Legion Post 64. The ceremony will be led by Hannah Kitchen (AmeriCorps College Guide) and speakers will include state Senator Frank Hogland, Mayor Joe Matthews of Marietta and Tiffany Jarvis, a former WSCC student and EMT First Responder. Light refreshments will follow the ceremony.

– In Jackson County, the Ripley Baptist Temple will hold its 18th annual “Ripley Remembers 9-11” memorial service at noon Wednesday on the lawn of the Jackson County Courthouse in Ripley. This is a change from the evening service held in previous years.

The program will include speakers and ceremonies as part of the event. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the Ripley Baptist Temple Auditorium at the corner of Third Avenue and Charleston Drive in Ripley. For more information call Ripley Baptist Temple at 304-372-3413 or email at RipleyBaptistTemple@frontier.com.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.15/week.

Subscribe Today