Ouachita Stories

As Americans across the nation pause to remember the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, a 9/11 memorial service will be held at 9:11 p.m. on the campus of Ouachita Baptist University.

The 10^th anniversary memorial service, hosted by the Rho Sigma men’s social club, will be held by the World War II memorial located behind the Tiger statue on Grant Plaza.

Gabriel Musser, a member of Rho Sigma who has served a tour in Afghanistan, is coordinating the event. He will share a student perspective during the service. Other speakers include Major General (ret.) Mel Thrash and Brett Powell, vice president for administrative services.

The candlelight service also will feature a color guard and a bugler who will play taps. The Ouachita community and area residents are invited to participate in the memorial service.

Reflecting on the impact of 9/11, Musser said he “felt compelled to join the military because of this tragic event.”

"During my tour I made the decision to return to school and finish my degree. However, I realized my calling in life was to lead troops in combat,” added Musser, a senior business administration/marketing major who also is an ROTC cadet and a member of the varsity wrestling team.

Musser said the 10^th anniversary memorial service “is significant because it shows to the world how far we have come from that tragic day."

"I hope that all of the students are able to show up supporting their various organizations,” he said. “This way we can show how we have risen from the ashes of that horrible event stronger and more unified than ever before.”

For more information about the 9/11 memorial service, contact Gabriel Musser at [email protected].