The ROTC is inviting the public to participate in a 2-kilometer run in remembrance of the 2001 attacks in Washington, D.C. and New York.
The third annual 9/11 Run, which doesn’t require cost or registration, is set to begin at 6 a.m. Wednesday morning in front of the Lyceum. Participants will run east on University Avenue, north on Lamar Avenue and circle the Oxford Square. The run will travel south on Lamar, west on University and end the route at the Grove stage.
Second-year cadet Victor Andrews said the run is a great way to get a workout while at the same time remembering those who died twelve years ago.
“I would strongly encourage those who are thinking about participating to come out,” said Andrews, a sophomore criminal justice major. “It’s a nice early morning workout plus a very motivating event to be a part of to come out and remember our fellow Americans who lost their lives that day and in the struggle since then.”
Andrews stated the run is not just a remembrance of the 9/11 victims, but also a way for those in the different military branches to unite.
“The run is a reflection back on 9/11 as a remembrance as well as a way for all the branches of the military to come together as one force,” Andrews said. “We celebrate the brotherhood and camaraderie the three forces have to show patriotism for our country.”
Ole Miss Rebel defensive tackle D.T. Shackelford is scheduled to address the group at the end of the run. Shackelford served as a command sergeant major in Junior ROTC at his high school in Decatur, Ala. Cadet Battalion Commander John Bolding, who graduated high school with Shackelford, said the entire ROTC is thrilled to have Shackelford as the speaker.
“I graduated high school with D.T. so this is extra special especially for me,” said Bolding, a senior business management major. “I’m honored to have him because he truly is a great guy.”
The Army ROTC has 130 members, but there are Navy and Marine Corps programs, as well. Bolding says the experience gained in the military programs are unrivaled and teaches important values, particularly responsibility.
The Oxford community will commemorate 9/11 with various events throughout the day, beginning with the run at 6 a.m, followed by the L-O-U Opening Ceremony at Oxford Courthouse Grounds at 9 a.m. and closing with a remembrance in front of the Student Union at 5:30 p.m.
