This year will mark the 18^th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. In observance, West Virginia University at Parkersburg will hold its annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m., at the flagpole in front of the main building to commemorate of the events of 9/11 and to honor the men and women who served, or are currently serving, in the armed forces and as first responders.

“The Veterans Corps of West Virginia University at Parkersburg would like to invite the entire community to join us for this special event to remember all those who were so senselessly killed on that terrible day and to honor the sacrifices of our military and first responders who have dedicated their lives to our protection and defense,” said WVU Parkersburg Veteran Advocate Darren Shearlock.

Capt. David Ozeroff, Naval Junior Reserves Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) Senior Naval Science instructor at Parkersburg High School, will serve as the guest speaker for the special event. Capt. Ozeroff has a distinguished career in the United States Navy and secondary education, and he will provide a unique insight on how the tragic events of 9/11 impacted the nation.

After his service in the Navy, which included directing operations for a state-of-the-art Navy watch center, providing around-the-clock monitoring, electronic reach back, and response for Naval Special Warfare forces deployed worldwide in support of the Global War on Terror, Capt. Ozeroff began mentoring high school students as a NJROTC instructor.

The Parkersburg High School Navy JROTC will provide a color guard to raise the flag and ring the college bell 18 times, with each ring counting the total years since 9/11.

In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the college theater or College Activities Center.

For more information about this event, contact Darren Shearlock at darren.shearlock@wvup.edu or 304-424-8337.