ATSU hosts annual Patriot Day ceremony for Kirksville community
Posted: September 17, 2018
On Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018, the Kirksville community gathered to honor and remember the lives lost during terrorist attacks 17 years before. A community ceremony organized by ATSU’s Student Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (SAMOPS), was held on the Adair County Courthouse north lawn.
The annual Patriot Day Ceremony included the national anthem sung by ATSU’s MEDleys; an invocation delivered by Josh Wood, OMS II; remarks from ATSU students including Crystal Lafleur, OMS II, U.S. Navy ensign; and presentation of colors and playing of “Taps” by members of VFW Post 2508.
Ashley Maitland, OMS-II, U.S. Navy ensign, called upon community members to never forget the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and Americans who gave of themselves that day.
“Our values as Americans consist of being strong, enduring, and resilient. It is because of these values we pay our respects for those lost, as well as the many heroes that did not think twice before sacrificing themselves to save others,” Maitland said. “We must remember and embody this selflessness in our lives today.”