Today is Patriot Day, and we were proud to again partner with the City of Columbia to commemorate the lives lost on September 11, 2001 and to host a shared community remembrance ceremony. 

For this year’s gathering at Traditions Plaza, Provost Matthew Martens, Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe and Captain Thomas Ulmer of Mizzou Naval ROTC shared personal tributes with those in attendance, and the Reynolds Hall bell was tolled 23 times in honor of each year since 9/11.

We were joined by many first responders and members of the military, including a Color Guard composed of representatives from Mizzou ROTC, MUPD, the Columbia Police Department and the Columbia Fire Department. There were also participants from Missouri Task Force One and the Mizzou Veterans Center, as well as a helicopter flyover by MU Health Care. 

I also want to acknowledge the many moving musical performances during the event, including the Boone County Fire Protection District Pipes and Drums, master’s student Connor Stratton, who sang the National Anthem, and both Dr. Iskander Akhmadullin, professor of trumpet, and master’s student Jesse Hamilton who played Taps at the ceremony’s conclusion. 

It was an honor to mark this solemn occasion with so many students, faculty, staff and community members who bravely serve others and our country. 

—  Mun