Auburn University ROTC programs and Athletics Department to hold events recognizing 20-year anniversary of Sept. 11 attacks

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In recognition of the 20-year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Auburn University’s ROTC programs and Athletics Department will hold several special events in honor of the lives lost that day and in support of the nation’s military.

“We will never forget how in a moment on that day lives were forever changed,” said Maj. John Drew of Auburn’s U.S.  Army ROTC program. “Each year, we in ROTC remember that fateful day and renew our commitment to selfless service to our nation. It is awe inspiring to see the dedication of these future leaders, especially in the face of unknown adversity.”

The ROTC programs’ first event will be a “stair run” in Jordan-Hare Stadium from 6-7 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 8. This will be a joint event with Auburn’s Army, Navy/Marine and Air Force ROTC departments, as well as the Auburn Fire Department.

The following day, on Thursday, Sept. 9, Auburn’s Army ROTC program will conduct a physical competition around  campus from 5:30-7 a.m. that will incorporate a theme in remembrance of Sept. 11, 2001. The week’s events will then culminate with a contracting ceremony that will take place during the pre-game festivities of Auburn’s second home football game of the season vs. Alabama State on Saturday, Sept. 11. All total, 35 new officer cadets will be sworn in during the pre-game ceremony, making their commitment official as they recite the Oath of Enlistment.

The cadets will agree to join the rigorous four-year leadership training program while receiving scholarships that cover tuition expenses at Auburn. Upon graduating, they will receive commissions as second lieutenants in the United States Army, where they will serve for four years or more.

Auburn’s Athletics Department also will honor all “Hometown Heroes” this weekend on the Plains as the Tigers host Alabama State on Saturday, Sept. 11 at 11 a.m. The gameday festivities include the following:

  • On Saturday at 8 a.m., all first responders are invited to attend FanFest on Nichols Lawn to receive a free commemorative Auburn/First Responders Challenge Coin, available while supplies last.

  • All first responders are welcome to submit photos to GameDay@auburn.edu or post a photo to social media using #AuburnHero to recognize an Auburn first responder on the video board

  • The Auburn Marching Band will be conducting a Patriotic Halftime Show in remembrance of 9/11

  • Pregame on-field recognition of local police, fire, EMT, frontline workers and other hometown heroes.

  • In-stadium recognition of first responders and all who have served in the military during the first and second quarter break

  • 10 a.m.: Army ROTC cadet contracting ceremony

The weekend of recognition then concludes on Sunday, Sept. 12 at 2 p.m. as Auburn Women’s Soccer hosts No. 1 Florida State for their Hometown Heroes match. As a reminder, Auburn University will celebrate the annual Military Appreciation game on Saturday, Nov. 13 vs. Mississippi State.

Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.