Members of Owens Community College’s Student Government invite fellow students and college employees, along with area residents to join in paying tribute to the victims and heroes who lost their lives in the Sept. 11 tragedy 10 years by participating in a series of free community events Thursday, Sept. 8.

Events and activities are free and open to the public.

A memorial display commemorating the 10th anniversary of the attacks will be on display beginning at 9 a.m. in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Rotunda. The display will include newspaper clippings and photos from the tragic event along with a complete listing of those who perished. Visitors will also have the chance to leave inspirational messages and pick up a carnation to present at the memorial as part of an interactive exhibit titled “Where Were You?” The memorial display activities will conclude at 5 p.m.

Individuals will also have the chance to view the film, “102 Minutes That Changed America” in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre. The 102-minute documentary film depicts, in virtually real time, the New York-based Sept. 11 attacks, primarily using raw video footage from mostly amateur citizen journalists. Produced by The History Channel, the documentary, which premiered in 2008, will be screened continuously from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  In addition, Myrta Gschaar of Maumee, who lost her husband, Robert as a result of the terrorist attacks on the second tower at the World Trade Center, has lent an array of artifacts from Sept. 11, including a piece of steel from the World Trade Center site that an artist masterfully handcrafted and sent to each victim’s family. The artifacts will be on display throughout the event.

The observance will also include a multi-sensory art exhibit titled “aWAReness.” The exhibit, presented by Owens Adjunct Instructor of Fine and Performing Arts Bianca Marcia Naves, will provide individuals with the chance to experience war from a sight, smell, sound and touch perspective. Visitors will be able to touch and smell an array of military items, as well as hear and see recorded accounts from various U.S. soldiers and marines about what life is like within a war zone.

For more information, call 1-800-GO-OWENS, ext. 7583.

Memorial Flag Service set
Area residents are invited to join Owens Community College in paying tribute to the victims and heroes who lost their lives in the 2001 terrorist attacks at a memorial event Sept. 11.  The event, sponsored by the School of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and the Center for Emergency Preparedness, will be held at 8 a.m. adjacent to the Center for Emergency Preparedness building, located on Tracy Road in Lake Township.

The event is free and open to the public.

“Owens Community College, in conjunction with the region’s emergency service partners, is honored to host a special Sept. 11 anniversary flag service to remember all who served during the terrorist attacks on our country and to honor those that perished on that fateful day 10 years ago,” said Michael Cornell, Director of the Center for Emergency Preparedness.

A Memorial Flag Service will begin at 8:30 a.m. with welcoming remarks by Cornell and a flag raising ceremony by the Toledo Police Department Honor Guard and the Owens Basic Peace Officer Training Academies.

The U.S. flag will then be lowered to half-staff and moment of silence will be observed in conjunction with a flyover at approximately 8:46 a.m. by either the 180th Fighter Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard or Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center Life Flight.

The memorial event will continue with comments from Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Renay Scott and a “Final Call” Bell Ceremony. A Flag of Honor bearing the names of all those who perished as a result of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks will be presented and placed within the Center for Emergency Preparedness for permanent display.

Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to view the film “102 Minutes That Changed America” in the College’s Center for Emergency Preparedness. The 102-minute documentary film depicts the New York-based events of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, primarily using raw video footage from mostly amateur citizen journalists. The film will be shown in Room 114 following the ceremony’s conclusion.

For more information, call 1-800-GO-OWENS, ext. 2411.

Concert, tree dedication
A Sept. 11 Memorial Concert and Tree Dedication will be held Sept. 11 at 6:15 p.m. at Friendship Park in Lake Township, 27975 Cummings Rd., Millbury.

Music will be provided by the Commanders of Harmony barbershop choirs and quartet. Hot dogs, brats, soft drinks and root beer floats will be available.

The event is sponsored by the Friends of Lake Township Parks. For more information, contact Ron Hanely at 419-392-3235 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

In the event of rain, the observance will be held inside the Administration Building.

Terra to Host 9/11 Memorial Service
On Thursday, Sept. 8 at noon, Terra State Community College will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania with a service at the college.

“We Remember,” a memorial service to be held in front of Building A (Roy Klay Hall), will recognize and honor those who perished that day as well as those students, faculty, staff, alumni and their families who have honorably served our country and those first responders who assist our local communities.

The service will include reflections, a moment of silence, musical selections by the Terra Brass Choir and Joe Spencer on the bagpipes, and the lowering of the flag to half-staff.

Fremont American Legion Post #121 Color Guard will participate as will members of local police and fire departments. John Bailey, executive director of the Fremont Chapter of the American Red Cross, will give remarks and reflections on 9/11 and Bishop Dr. Robert L. Jones will provide the convocation.

“We remember because what started as an ordinary work day for many ended with a world-changing event,” said Shevonne Nelson, interim coordinator of Student Activities. “We hope that this memorial ceremony will provide all of us with a daily reminder to take nothing for granted because we do not know what the next moment will hold or have in store for us.”

The event is open to the public. For more information, call Shevonne Nelson at 419-559-2151 or Mike Shirtz at 419-559-2147.

Do you remember?
As the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks approaches, The Press would like to hear your thoughts and recollections of the historic event.

Do you remember where you were when you heard about the attacks? How did the events and their aftermath affect you and your family?

Let us know via email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or send your responses to September 11 Recollections, The Press, 1550 Woodville Rd., Millbury, OH 43447.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed