AASU to Commemorate "Heroism and Leadership" on September 11

Savannah, GA—Hugh Futrell, assistant chief of fire operations at the Southside Fire Department, will join the Armstrong Atlantic State University community in honoring the heroism and leadership of those involved in the September 11 tragedy. The commemoration ceremony will begin at 12:30 P.M. on the University Hall plaza on Science Drive (Fine Arts Auditorium in the event of rain). The event is free and open to the public.

Futrell, who has served at Southside Fire Department since 1977, will make a presentation to honor those who served during the rescue and recovery efforts in emergency medical, police, and fire services, and in particular the K-9 task force division of Southside Fire/EMS.

Southside Fire sent two special K-9 rescue teams, "Mollie" and "Morgan" and their handlers Lt. John Frank and Chief Doug Sahlberg, to the site of "Ground Zero." They were the first to arrive at the location and were the only canine teams on the scene for the first twenty-four hours.

As part of his presentation, Futrell will also relate the role of higher education to the events of September 11 and the elimination of terrorism. Futrell believes that those who benefit from higher education are more responsible for making an effort to understand the condition of the world and to reach out to help those in need.

A member of the Armstrong Atlantic Student Government Association, Kristan Ferguson, will speak on what America means to her and how the tradgedy has changed her role as a leader at the university. She will share her belief that college students are the future leaders of tomorrow. Kristan is a sophomore studying chemistry as a pre-medical student.

Other activities planned for the September 11 Commencement Ceremony:

Presentation of ROTC Color Guards

Performance of National Anthem

Welcome by President Thomas Z. Jones

Selections by AASU Choir

Moment of reflection with the ringing of four bells signifying the twin towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the crash site in Pennsylvania

Candle vigil will be held in the courtyard of Compass Point

The ceremony with conclude with selections by the choir

Refreshments will immediately follow the ceremony

For more information about the commemoration ceremony, contact Shelina Gwaduri at 927.5300.