The Shippensburg University ROTC and members of the SU community commemorated the 19th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks with the annual ceremony outside of the Erza Lehman Memorial Library. With nearly 40 people in attendance, Junior, Cadet Gavin Bupp, opened the ceremony by welcoming the students, faculty, staff and administrations.
“The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon as well as the solemn and humbling story of Flight 93 are etched into our country’s spirit and history.” Bupp said. “The results of 9/11 were both immediately felt and have resonated to this day.”
After 9/11 many U.S. citizens answered the call to action and joined the armed forces, Bupp said. One of these people was Nathan DeTample, a SU ROTC program graduate. DeTample died during Operation Enduring Freedom alongside many others, according to Bupp.
ROTC members placed flags were planted along the sidewalks in the academic quad to honor the lives lost in the terrorist attack. The sacrifice of Flight 93, which is important to many Pennsylvania residents, was honored with flags in the formation of 93 in the quad.
“9/11 directly affected the state of Pennsylvania. And I know that it means a lot to the community, it means a lot to the university and especially to this program to be able to honor the fallen in a very dignified manner,” said Lt. Col. Michael Firman.
Bupp read the names of the Flight 93 victims before concluding the ceremony with a moment of silence followed by the playing of taps.
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