Idaho State University’s Veteran Student Services Center will host a 9/11 community commemoration on Sept. 11 at Holt Arena and Cadet Field from 3 to 8 p.m.

The events of 9/11 changed our nation’s history forever, and most Americans still remember where they were on that day. The tragedy brought the nation closer and solidified its communities.

It is with this spirit of solidarity that the Veteran Student Services Center invites the community to gather together on the 15^th anniversary of 9/11 to remember and honor those we lost and show our strength as a community, said Todd Johnson, center director.

It will also serve as a way to keep the memory of 9/11 alive in the minds of the younger individuals in our community since, for many of them, it is becoming distant history, he added.

The commemoration will begin at 3 p.m. at Holt Arena with registration and shirt distribution, where T-shirts will be given to the first 900 participants.

At 5 p.m., participants will walk as a community from Holt Arena to Cadet Field in memory of those who lost their lives on 9/11. Each participant will write the name of someone who lost their life that day on their shirt in order to walk for that person

A commemoration and flag raising ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. at Cadet Field. After the ceremony, participants will walk back to the Holt Arena for a community block party.

All are invited to attend the events.

“The attack on 9/11 was the first terrorist attack in our nation’s history that specifically targeted civilians,” Johnson said. “We want this to be a patriotic event to support each other and recognize those who rushed into danger to help others.”

“It would be wonderful to see as many people as possible sharing in the memory of those that were lost, and the healing of our nation,” Johnson said.

Johnson also encourages the ISU community to attend the commemoration.

“I think it’s an honor that this event is being held at ISU, and it’s important for the university to connect with the greater Pocatello community,” Johnson said. “A significant event like this is a great place to do that.”

For more information on this event, contact the Veteran Student Services Center by calling (208) 282-4245 or visiting isu.edu/veterans.