a VCU military student plays trumpet at a 9/11 anniversary event.
Nesstor Delica, a VCU student in the Army Reserve, plays taps. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Sept. 10, 2021

In photos: 9/11 anniversary ceremony

The university community gathered for an event that took on additional meaning following the end of the U.S. war in Afghanistan.

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By VCU News staff

Military Student Services, the Student Veteran Association and VFW Post 6364 held a wreath laying ceremony Friday morning on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. University photographer Kevin Morley was on site to document the event, which took on additional meaning following the end of the U.S. war in Afghanistan less than two weeks earlier.

Shae Hockaday, left, and Mike Purcell carry a wreath at VCU's 9/11 anniversary ceremony.
Shae Hockaday, left, and Mike Purcell carry a wreath at VCU's 9/11 anniversary ceremony. Hockaday is the president of VCU's Student Veterans Association and Purcell is commander of VFW Post 6364. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)
two people place a wreath in front of VCU's Harris Hall at a 9/11 anniversary event.
Shae Hockaday, left, and Mike Purcell place a wreath at the American flag outside Grace Harris Hall. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)
VCU President Michael Rao stands with his hand over his heart at a 9/11 anniversary event.
VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., and attendees stand with hands over hearts as the Commonwealth Singers perform the national anthem. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)
A choir sings at a 9/11 anniversary event.
The Commonwealth Singers. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)
VCU ROTC students at a 9/11 anniversary event.
VCU ROTC students at the ceremony. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)
Students in military fatigues stand at a 9/11 anniversary event.
list of names of victims during the 9/11 attacks
A list of names of those killed on 9/11 posted in the Commons courtyard. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)
Students participate in a moment of silence at a 9/11 anniversary event.
Event attendees honor those lost on 9/11/2001 and since in the War on Terror by “rucking” laps around the courtyard.
Event attendees honor those lost on 9/11/2001 and since in the War on Terror by “rucking” laps around the courtyard. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)
a list of names on a piece of paper
Kiniseology Ph.D. student Jennifer Weggen writes the name of a friend of her sister's who died in the Pentagon attack. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)
VCU student Aidan Gray, Army ROTC, walks past the ram horns sculpture.
VCU student Aidan Gray, Army ROTC, walks past the ram horns sculpture. Gray was among those who walked laps around the courtyard. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)
VCU ROTC students do pushups
Doing pushups to honor those who lost their lives. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)
close-up of flowers in a wreath
Photos by Kevin Morley, University Marketing