'Honor and Remember'

Trine invites community to 'honor and remember' on Sept. 10

 

ANGOLA, Ind. – Proud of her family’s commitment to both law enforcement and military service, Trine University president’s assistant Dareen McClelland wanted to find a way to “honor and remember” those who lost their lives to save others on Sept. 11, 2001, when 19 terrorists killed nearly 3,000 people in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pa.

McClelland’s desire spurred fellow employees to organize “Honor and Remember,” a community event that has grown to encompass the idea of honoring all those who serve – from law enforcement and firefighters to servicemen and women and veterans.

The event will be Saturday, Sept. 10, at 12:30 p.m., before the Thunder football team takes on Bluffton at Fred Zollner Athletic Stadium. All veterans, active military personnel, emergency personnel and law enforcement will be admitted to the game free of charge. Gates will be open at noon.

 “My family has a tradition of serving, whether it’s in the local community or in the military,” McClelland said. “We need to honor these heroes. Without them, our country would not be what it is today.”

McClelland has been exposed to law enforcement and military life since she was born. Her father served as the Orland fire chief until she married Lawnie “Mike” McClelland, a Steuben County Deputy who was a former U.S. Navy Corpsman.  Mike McClelland served as Steuben County Sheriff for 16 years while the couple raised a son and daughter. Her son currently is stationed in Key West, Fla., in the U.S. Coast Guard.

“I’m so excited about the event and proud of all those who will be a part of it,” McClelland said.

On Saturday, the Rev. Bill Imler, a World War II veteran, will arrive by Bell 47G helicopter to deliver the game ball. Imler served in the U.S. Naval Reserve in naval aviation from 1943 to 1945.

The helicopter is being provided by university trustee Jack Shaw and is being piloted by retired chief warrant officer Brian Riley, who, among many other duties, flew Blackhawk helicopters in Kosovo.

Christy Stutzman, wife of U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., will sing the National Anthem. Members of Trine’s ROTC program will present colors at the beginning of the game.

Also at half-time, members of the Auburn and Angola fire departments will transport a beam recovered from the wreckage of the World Trade Center attacks. Auburn firefighters requested the beam about a year and a half ago, after seeing an advertisement online. They picked it up in New York City in June, and on Sunday, Sept. 11, the 1,400-pound, 10-foot beam will be permanently displayed in a memorial at Fire Station No. 2, at the corner of Fifteenth Street and Grandstaff Drive in Auburn.

“New York City lost 343 firefighters, and we can’t ever forget that,” said Auburn fire chief Mike Van Zile. “As Americans, we have to move on, show our resilience and fight another day.”

Those who attend the event also will have the opportunity to view the 30-foot by 60-foot flag that survived the Oklahoma City Federal Building bombing on April 19, 1995. The flag was acquired by Trine trustee Ralph Trine.

“Looking back at the last decade, the overall climate of patriotism has increased. It’s truly incredible. The flag, the beam and those we honor serve as constant reminders of our history. They show us who we are and what we’re made of,” said Trine president Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D.  “We hope you can join us for the game and to honor those who serve.”

Tickets cost $8 for adults, $3 for students, and free for seniors and children ages 12 and under. All veterans, active military personnel, emergency personnel and law enforcement will be admitted to the game free of charge, with credentials.

To share your news, contact Trine University communication specialist Lindsay Winslow Brown at winslowbrownl@trine.edu.