Ten years after the 9/11 attacks shook the United States to its core, both Athens residents and Ohio University students will have opportunities to pay homage to the victims.
In an attempt to not only commemorate the attacks, but also to promote religious diversity and understanding, an interfaith peace walk will occur Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. The walk will begin at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 64 University Terrace, and end at the Islamic Center, 13 Stewart St.
“Students today have grown up with one image of religious diversity: the image of commercial jets crashing into skyscrapers,” said Evan Young, campus minister of United Campus Ministries.
“But in the 10 years since 9/11, there’s been another story gaining ground in this country — a story of people from different faiths serving together and talking together about what their traditions teach them about this shared value.”
UCM’s mission is to engage the OU and Athens communities in spiritual growth and work for social justice and community service guided by socially progressive and interfaith values.
The march is part of the “Better Together Campaign” at OU, which is a year-long effort to mobilize college students from different faith backgrounds to engage in community service together, according to university’s website.
There are 11 sponsors of the peace walk, including UCM: Center for Spiritual Growth and Social Justice, Appalachian Peace and Justice Network and OU ‘s Office of Diversity, Access and Equity.
“This is a demonstration for peace,” Young said. “Embodying a more joyful and less fearful vision of our world and our future.”
Another event paying homage to the victims of 9/11 will take place on College Green beginning with set-up at 6 p.m. Saturday and lasting until noon Sunday.
The memorial, which has been hosted by the OU College Republicans since 2002, will feature a flag for each victim who lost their life as well as luminaries accompanying the memorial, said Communications Chair Allison Arnold in an email.
“People will have a chance to come together regardless of political affiliation to honor and remember,” Arnold said, adding that the main focus of the event will be reflection and remembrance.
pm189309@ohiou.edu
