BUIES CREEK – Sept. 11 has become synonymous with service in recent years, and Campbell University has a big weekend of service events planned to mark the 10th anniversary of that fateful day.As part of the University’s participation in the national Interfaith Service Challenge, several events are planned to a positive and forward-looking way to honor the victims, survivors and responders from Sept. 11, 2001.Campbell’s week of service will begin at noon Wednesday with a “Lunch and Learn” with Dr. Salvatore Mercagliano, who’ll present “9/11, Before and After: A Historical Retrospective” in the Camel Room of Marshbanks Hall. Saturday will begin with an 8:30 a.m. meeting at the flagpole and will commence a Day of Service, with projects including a books and supplies drive for local students, disaster relief work on areas still rebuilding from the April 16 tornado, a first responder appreciation event and more. At 11:30, an Interfaith Service Campus Challenge luncheon will be held in Room 117 of Maddox Hall. The Day of Service will look a lot like last year’s event, according to service group Americorps VISTA director Sara Acosta, but she expects more students and volunteers this year because of the milestone 10th anniversary.“There’s a huge emotional connection, more I think than in years past,” Acosta said. “People are thinking about the anniversary more this year, and I think this will lead to more volunteers.”The 9/11 Day of Service began in 2002 after family members of those killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks created support groups to seek a forward-looking tribute to honor those who died and pay tribute to those who rose in service in response to the tragedy. Sept. 11 has been designated a National Day of Service and Remembrance by the government, established into law by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act in 2009. Aside from the service projects, a concert and prayer service are scheduled for Sunday on the Buies Creek campus. The Campbell University Choral Society, accompanied by an orchestra, will perform Rene Clausen’s Memorial, a work commissioned for 9/11 victims. The free concert is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday in the Butler Chapel and is open to the public.The concert will begin with a piece entitled Race for the Sky, a song cycle by composer Richard Pearson Thomas written for soprano, violin and piano. Soprano Sally Thomas will be joined by pianist Cathy Hamner and violinist Izabela Spiewak for the presentation. The performance of Memorial will follow. “This concert will call us to remember and reflect on those tragic events of a decade ago,” said conductor Phillip Morrow. “Principal themes in Memorial include our response to the tragedy, cross-cultural understanding, and peace. It’s a moving and powerful work.”Butler Chapel will then host a service of prayer, silence and remembrance at 8 p.m. Sunday.
— Billy Liggett, Assistant Director for Publications