Bellarmine University will mark 20 years of continued sacrifice associated with the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with three upcoming events on campus.
On Thursday, September 9, a 9/11 remembrance event takes place in the quad from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The event features an Afghanistan War Veteran speaker and an interactive art display. This will be a space for reflection on the significance of this day and
the resulting war in Afghanistan.
On Friday, September 10, the campus community is invited to gather near the flagpole in front of Centro at 8:30 a.m. for "Raising the Flag: 9/11 Remembrance and Patriot Day National Moment of Silence.” The event begins at 8:46 a.m. with bells ringing,
coinciding with the moment of the first attack on the World Trade Center.
On Tuesday, September 14, “Warrior Welcome Home” takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the W.L. Lyons Brown Library room 203. During this event, the
Office of Military & Veteran Services honors the service and sacrifice of all military students, faculty and staff, with time for comradery and solidarity.
“The Office of Military & Veteran Services invites our students and campus community to honor the sacrifices of the past two decades which resulted from the tragic events on September 11, 2001,” said Lindsay Gargotto, director of the Office
of Military & Veteran Services. “We each carry our own story and we are all connected by one profound understanding: sacrifice. Our priority is ensuring all military-affiliated students, faculty and staff feel recognized and supported during
this difficult time. We hope these events also help the larger Bellarmine community better understand the experiences and sacrifices of the heroes that walk among us every day.”
These events are coordinated by the Office of Military & Veteran Affairs, in partnership with the Dr. Patricia Carver Office of Identity & Inclusion, Campus Ministry and the Counseling Center.
Student reflections:
"September 11, 2001, was an overwhelming and traumatic day for our country. For me, this commemoration offers a moment to not only honor the lives lost, but also honor those who have made sacrifices since that tragic day. The commemoration also offers
myself and fellow veterans a moment to feel less alone during these difficult times.”
-- Bex Hartlage, undergraduate student & U.S. Air Force veteran
"To me, 9/11 is a day to be grateful for our current safety that our nation provides for us all. It's a day to remember those who ran to the danger to help those in need, and the ones that still stand proud to protect and defend every day. Instead of
people remembering where they were when 9/11 happened, we should be reflecting and honoring the service and sacrifices made that day that has continued the past two decades."
-- Kelsey Geigle, undergraduate nursing student and U.S. Navy veteran
"The 9/11 remembrance reminds me of hope. The attacks the day of September 11th were horrific, but the aftermath was beautiful. As a child, I remember American flags were flown everywhere, everyone wore a patriotic shirt, and there were yellow ribbons
tied around many old oak trees. It was a time of solidarity and we were all proud to be Americans."
-- Hannah Butcher, MBA Student & U.S. Air Force veteran
Bellarmine’s Office of Military & Veteran Services supports all military-affiliated students, alumni, faculty and staff within the university community. The office brings visibility and solutions to the unique needs of military-affiliated individuals
on campus through advising, programming, policy development, advocacy and specialized services. Learn more at
the office's website.