WestConn Planning

 9/11 Ceremony

DANBURY — The mournful music of bagpipes as the University Police Color Guard enters the Quad will issue the call for members of the Western Connecticut State University and greater Danbury communities to pause on Tuesday, September 11, to remember the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that claimed more than 3,000 lives in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania six years ago.

Continuing an annual WestConn tradition introduced in the aftermath of the tragedy in 2001, Professor of Justice and Law Administration Dr David Machell will perform a reflective bagpipe piece to set the tone for “A Solemn Ceremony of Remembrance” beginning at noon on the Quad of the Midtown campus, 181 White Street. The public is invited to join WestConn students, faculty and staff in this outdoor observance, weather permitting.

Dr Machell’s performance of “America the Beautiful” will accompany the entry of the officers of the Color Guard led by University Police Chief Neil McLaughlin, who will proceed to a position at the center of the Quad facing Fairfield Hall. WestConn President James W. Schmotter will offer opening remarks, with Professor of Justice and Law Administration Emeritus Dr Harold Schramm presenting a narrative reading in commemoration of the victims of the 9/11 attacks. Professor of Music Dr Kevin Isaacs will lead the WCSU Chamber Singers in two choral selections.

At the conclusion of the program, Dr Machell will perform a bagpipe adaptation of the spiritual “Amazing Grace,” followed by the patriotic “God Bless America” as the Color Guard marches in silent procession departing the Quad.

For more information, call the WCSU Office of University Relations at 837-8486.