Public Invited to Third Annual Run
OXFORD, Miss. – The public is invited to join commanders and cadets in the University of Mississippi’s combined ROTC programs, along with freshmen students, in a 2-kilometer run observing the anniversary of the 2001 attacks in New York and Washington.
The third annual 9/11 Run begins at 6 a.m. in front of the Lyceum. Participants will travel east on University Avenue, north on Lamar Avenue and circle the Oxford Square. The formation will return south on Lamar, west on University and end the route at the Grove Stage. No cost or registration is required.
D.T. Shackelford, a 2012 Ole Miss graduate and Rebel defensive tackle, is scheduled to address the group at the end of the run. The Alabama native served as a command sergeant major in Junior ROTC.
“Started in 2010, this event has always been a remembrance run for the twin tower attacks in 2001,” said Master Sgt. Ret. Michael Howland, coordinator of veteran and military services in UM’s Center for Student Success and Freshman Year Experience. “This year, in support of the Common Reading Experience book, ‘The Unforgiving Minute,’ we are highlighting the run to all freshman enrolled in EDHE 105.
“This event will expose them to certain aspects of the book, afford them another campus event to write reflection papers on and, hopefully, stimulate conversation in the classroom.”
Leslie Banahan, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs, agreed.
“The author goes into great detail to describe the physical training at West Point and U.S. Army Ranger School,” said Banahan, who is also a member of the Common Reading Experience Committee. “We thought the run would be an opportunity for students to connect in an experiential way with the book as they run the race.”
Shackelford is pursuing a master’s degree in education. As an undergraduate, he made the Chancellor’s Honor Roll, Dean’s Honor Roll and UMAA Honor Roll. Named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll four years in a row, Shackelford was a 2010 nominee for the Wuerffel Trophy, which honors exemplary community service with outstanding academic and athletic achievement. He was the UM nominee for the 2013 AFCA Good Works Team.
Other 9/11 events scheduled in the L-O-U community include:
– National Day of Service and Remembrance Project: A letter-writing campaign to be delivered to military members. Letters can be dropped off at the Skipwith Cottage on the Oxford Square between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sept. 11 and at the Ole Miss Student Union lobby between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sept. 9-11. This project is open to the community.
– Opening Ceremony: First responders will be honored. Begins at 9 a.m. on the Oxford Courthouse grounds.
– VA Home Program: Presented by residents, Oxford High School Junior ROTC Color Guard, L-O-U first responders and North Central Mississippi Medical Reserve Corps. Begins at 10 a.m.
– Lafayette County and Oxford Public Library program for Bramlett Elementary students: Begins at 10 a.m. at the library.
– 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. Begins at 5:30 p.m. on the Student Union Plaza.
For more information, contact Sarah Ball at 662-236-6662 or volunteer@oxfordms.net