By Gerard Flanagan, news writer/photographer/social media, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - For many Americans, the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 are a day they will never forget.
The Campbellsville and Taylor County community will have the chance to reflect on that day during a remembrance event at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, at Campbellsville University's Ransdell Chapel, 401 N. Hoskins, Campbellsville, Ky.
According to Dr. John Hurtgen, dean of the School of Theology, the event will include a video segment of remembrances of the Sept. 11 attacks from community members and members of Campbellsville University.
The Rev. Lawrence “Larry” Recla STS will be the featured speaker. Recla, a Lutheran pastor who has been the priest-in-charge at St. Francis Episcopal in Bushnell, Fla. since 2012, volunteered his services to the Red Cross and began working at the Ground Zero Temporary Morgue (“T-morgue”) in November 2001 shortly after the attacks. He remained at the site through its closing eight months later.
“Those on the campus on 9/11/01 have vivid memories of gathering, weeping, praying on what was otherwise a crisp and beautiful late summer day,” Hurtgen said.
“But to hear from someone who was part of the gruesome aftermath of such horror, working in the temporary morgue, counseling and praying with first responders and their families, will make it worth attending the event. The 20th Anniversary of 9/11 will help us, as a community, to remember the past and to trust God for the future.”
The event will also include a singing group consisting of various community and campus members. Those in attendance will be invited to sing as well.
At this time, masks are required for all in-person gatherings on the Campbellsville University campus. The university follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Commonwealth of Kentucky guidelines on best practices.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 12,500 students offering over 100 programs of study including Ph.D., master, baccalaureate, associate, pre-professional and certification programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.