Lakeland Community College's Veterans Center will host a ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 11 a.m. in the Performing Arts Center on Lakeland's campus, 7700 Clocktower Drive. The ceremony will honor the lives lost andprovide an opportunity for the campus and communityto come together in remembrance and reflection. Guests are invited to join in this collective moment of remembrance, reaffirming the promise to Never Forget. Café refreshments will be provided while supplies last.

“Twenty-five years later, we remember not only the tragedy of September 11, but also the compassion and unity that emerged in its aftermath,” said Rhonda Osagie-Erese, Veterans Center manager at Lakeland. “We cannot forget these terrible acts or the profound ways they changed our lives. These attacks reshaped the way we live, travel,and see each other. But as we reflect, I hope we also remember the incredible kindness peoplechose toshowone another during sucha difficult time.”

That spirit of kindness will continue across Lakeland's campus through the Choose Kindness initiative led by the Veterans Centerand Student Engagement and Leadership.Thisinitiative invitesthecommunity to carry forward the spirit ofkindnessand connection thatemergedin the aftermath of September 11, 2001.

The ceremony is part of a series of events hosted by the Lakeland Veterans Center and the Student Engagement and Leadership Department, in partnership with the 9/11 Day Organization and AmeriCorps:

• Sept. 1-14: A 9/11 Honor Remembrance Display invites students of all ages to create letters and drawings expressing gratitude. The artwork will be displayed in the S-Building Atrium.

• Sept. 8-11: Volunteers will assembleand deliverFirst Responders Refresh Kits, commemorative bagscontainingsnacks, water bottles, hydration packetsand self-care resources for local emergency responders.

• Sept. 12, 8 a.m.: Lakeland will partner with Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity for a Stars and Strides 5K run and 1-mile walk on campus. Participants will receive 9/11 Day-themed gifts while supplies last.

Volunteers are needed throughout the week for setup, placing flags around campus, handing out T-shirts and distributing water. For more information or to volunteer, visit lakelandcc.edu/veterans, email LCCvets@lakelandcc.edu or find Lakeland Student Veterans on Facebook and Instagram.

By: Jaylen Love, Marketing & Communications Specialist