This Sunday marks the 10-year anniversary of the day when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center in New York City. The Starkville community will host a few different events and ceremonies dedicated in honor of those who fought and continue to fight for our freedom and in memory of those who died in the attacks.
Stefanie Shackelford, director of Volunteer Starkville, said these events will enable students and residents of Starkville to give back.
“The reason for these events is to honor our local heroes and make a commitment not only to our community but also our country,” Shackelford said.
The Maroon Volunteer Center has partnered with Volunteer Starkville to put together a weekend of events that will get the community involved with commemorating the people whose lives were affected and taken as a result of Sept. 11.
Meggan Franks, program coordinator for the Maroon Volunteer Center, said working with Volunteer Starkville enables more people to hear about and attend the events.
“The majority of our programs are coordinated with the help of Volunteer Starkville. They engage the community and we engage the campus,” Franks said. “By working together, we can reach more individuals, get these individuals involved in memorable service opportunities and make changes that are larger and more significant.”
Valerie Voigt, assistant to Stefanie Shackelford, said she and Volunteer Starkville hope the people of Starkville will participate in the events.
“Sept. 11 has been designated a National Day of Service and Remembrance,” Voigt said. “Volunteer Starkville is expecting the citizens of Starkville and surrounding communities to accept this call to service by paying tribute to the victims and heroes of 9/11.”
This week, a couple of events have taken place that have been aimed at volunteering in remembrance of Sep. 11. These events have been part of the “I WILL” Tribute Movement which has asked people to donate time, labor or money as a way to give back to the community.
Many local restaurants and businesses have been distributing pledge cards on which citizens can pledge their services to their state and to their country. While supplies lasted, everyone who turned in a pledge card received a free T-shirt. Some local businesses even offered special offers and discounts to those who turned in a pledge card.
On Sept. 8, a booth was set up on the Drill Field where students could be recorded on camera telling their stories and offering their tributes. The first 50 tributes received free T-shirts.
Franks said she encourages everyone to take part in the “I WILL” Tribute Movement.
“We encourage all members of MSU, students, faculty and staff to join the 9/11 ‘I WILL’ project and make a tribute. Whether it is through service or simply pledging a good deed, find an opportunity to join the movement and pledge your service to State and to our country,” Franks said. “By doing so, you will be supporting those victims and heroes of 9/11 as well as those that serve our nation on a daily basis.”
The “I WILL” Tribute Movement began Tuesday and ends today.
The second annual East Oktibbeha Memorial Ceremony and Balloon Release will take place today at East Oktibbeha Elementary. Any volunteers are welcome to help out with this event. Volunteers will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the front entrance of South Hall to carpool to East Oktibbeha.
The week ends and a new week begins Sunday, Sept.  11, 2011, with a 9/11 Ceremony at Fire Station One in Starkville.
The ceremony will begin with Jerry Gilbert, provost and executive vice president at Mississippi State University, giving a formal welcome to attendees. Mayor Parker Wiseman will also be present to give a proclamation speech. The Starkville High School JROTC will be on hand to present the flag at the ceremony, and SHS students have made an art mural in remembrance of the tragic event that will be on display at the ceremony.
Set up will take place on Saturday and Sunday, and all volunteers are welcome.
People interested in volunteering are encouraged to do so by logging onto the Maroon Volunteer Center’s website, mvc.msstate.edu.