Wittenberg University will join the nation in observing the 20th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
On Saturday, Sept. 11, The Rev. Anders S. Tune, David and Carol Matevia Endowed University pastor, will conduct a brief ceremony at 8:30 a.m. consisting of a reading and a moment of silence followed by the tolling of the Myers Bell at 8:46 a.m. – the time when the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. The bell will toll for five minutes in sync with other bells from area churches around Springfield. Houses of worship around the nation have been encouraged to toll their bells at that time. Wittenberg’s ceremony will take place outside below Myers Hall at the University Seal with the rain site being inside Weaver Chapel.
“The ringing of the Myers Bell is also our participation in a national observance of this day, as recommended by the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, located at the former site of the World Trade Center in New York City,” Anders Tune said. “I think this would be a very meaningful way to commemorate the day. We remember and we honor the nearly 3,000 people killed in the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993, as well as those who risked their lives to save others and all who demonstrated extraordinary compassion in the aftermath of the attacks.”
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum will be hosting its event beginning at 8:30 a.m. The ceremony will include family members of 9/11 victims gathering on the memorial plaza to read aloud the names of those killed in the attacks and in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Six moments of silence will be observed throughout the ceremony acknowledging when each of the World Trade Center towers was struck and fell and the times corresponding to the attack on the Pentagon and the crash of Flight 93.
At sundown, the annual “Tribute in Light” will once again illuminate the New York City sky in commemoration of the anniversary of the attacks. For additional information on the national 20th Anniversary observance, click here.
