On Thursday, September 11, as part of the national 911day.org movement, Stetson University will host a “Day of Action” of service and programs in remembrance of the events of 9/11.

At 8 a.m., students, staff, faculty and community members will gather at the campus flag located in front of Elizabeth Hall on Woodland Blvd., where members of the University’s ROTC program will lead a ceremony to put the flag at half-staff in remembrance of the victims of 9/11. Stetson University President Wendy Libby will give brief opening remarks, followed by recognition of local emergency services personnel from DeLand Police Department, DeLand Fire Department, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and the Volusia County SWAT team.

From 1-1:30 p.m., all members of the community are invited to participate in a “Community Meditation for Peace” in room 204 (2^nd floor) of the Carlton Union Building. In recognition of the many conflicts currently happening throughout the world, this meditation will allow participants to focus on common aspects of our humanity that can serve as catalysts for peace. The meditation will be facilitated by the Cross-Cultural Center and the Chaplain’s Office.

At 1:30 p.m., students will meet at the Stetson University Center for Community Engagement (609 Bert Fish Drive) and drive over to local non-profit organizations for community service activities from 2-4 p.m. These sites have been arranged by the Center for Community Engagement and include gardening or inventorying at the Museum of Art, painting and landscaping at My Angel with Paws, landscaping at the Domestic Abuse Council and craft projects with children at The House Next Door. Stetson students can receive cultural credit for this event.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to band together in support for those in need, just like many did during the time of tragedy 13 years ago,” said Heather Hamilton, coordinator of the Stetson event.

At 5 p.m., all members of the community are invited to a presentation by the Volusia County Emergency Management Department which will discuss how emergency response has changed since 9/11. Topics such as natural disasters and epidemics will be explored, and the presenters will bring field equipment to use during the presentation. This presentation will take place in the Stetson Room, located on the 2^nd floor of the Carlton Union Building. Stetson students can receive cultural credit for this event.

At 6 p.m., students, staff, faculty and community members will again gather at the campus flag for a closing ceremony where the flag will be raised back to full staff in recognition of our country’s resilience after 9/11. Brief closing remarks and group reflection will conclude the event.

“Events like 9/11 remind us that we all have a voice and a chance to make a change. Participating in days of service like what we have planned for Thursday, or getting involved in your community, are just some of the ways to start making that change,” said Hamilton. “Take this opportunity to reflect on your values, and let those values steer you to make the changes that you want to see in your life, your community and your country.”

All events are free and open to the public.