Niagara University remembering 9/11 with full slate of commemorative activities

The Niagara University community will join the rest of the U.S. in commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with several activities scheduled for this Sunday.

The first on-campus activity, an ROTC flag ceremony and tower bell ringing, will take place at 9:30 a.m. in front of St. Vincent's Hall. At 10:45 a.m., the Rev. Bruce Krause, C.M., Niagara University chaplain, will hold an outdoor prayer service at the Peace Pole in the Alumni Hall Courtyard. Fifteen minutes later, Krause will offer a Memorial Mass in NU's Alumni Chapel.

Evening goings-on commence with a Niagara University Student Government Association-presented tribute outside of the Castellani Art Museum. From there, a candlelight processional will take place, leading participants from the museum to the statue of St. Vincent at the center of campus, and then to the statue of Mary, the Peace Pole and, finally, into the Alumni Chapel for Mass at 10 p.m. At each stop of the processional, students will offer a prayer, song or words of hope. Candles will be provided. A courtyard reception will follow Mass.

Beginning Friday at noon, students and other members of the university community are invited to sign a tribute book that will reflect the names of those directly affected by the tragedy. The tribute book will be carried during the candlelight processional and later placed next to a shrine in NU's Alumni Chapel.

Niagara University is also supplying numerous volunteers for the "Thunder of Niagara" Air Show, an event dedicated to honoring the nation's first responders and military units. The air show, presented by the 914th Airlift Wing, 107th Airlift Wing and the Niagara Military Affairs Council, takes place Sept. 10-11 at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. Those interested in volunteering for the air show are advised to contact Robert Healy, NU's veterans' services coordinator, at 716-286-8341.

(Bus transportation to the "Thunder of Niagara" Air Show will be offered to students, faculty and staff wishing to attend the event as spectators. To register, visit the Office of Campus Activities.)

Campus ministers will be available from noon to 9 p.m. in the Office of Campus Ministry to offer prayerful support to anyone seeking such assistance. Counseling services will also offer wellness hours to members of the university community from 1 until 4 p.m. in the lower level of Seton Hall.

All events will take place rain or shine.

For more information, contact Niagara University's Office of Campus Activities at 716-286-8510.