FARMINGTON — Early this morning, the University of Maine at Farmington held a solemn remembrance program in commemoration of the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
Kirsten Swan, director of Student Leadership and Service and UMF Rotaract Club advisor; and Connor Fahey, coordinator of Orientation and Transition Programs, created the memorial message, “9/11…WE REMEMBER,” in dozens of American flags on the lawn of the UMF Mantor Green along with displays relating a chronological list of events that happened that fateful day.
Beginning at 8:15 a.m., UMF staff, students and community members took turns ringing a bell 2,996 times to honor those who perished on that day. As a symbol of campus and community unity, the bell was provided for the event by the Farmington Rotary organization and the hammer to ring the bell was loaned by UMF Student Senate.
“Sept. 11 was one of our worst days, but it brought out the best in us and our country. Today’s event is a way to remember that and continue to bring our campus and community together,” said Swan.
Commemorative ribbons and wristbands were given out and oversized postcards were made available for anyone to fill out to thank our local First Responders for their service. As in the past, these will be delivered to the various locations in town (fire station, ambulance service, police station), to thank them for their service.
This event was free and open to the public.
