GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University and its Athletic Department teamed with the Greeneville Flyboys to remember the 3,000 lives lost and the heroism of firefighters and other public safety personnel as the United States observes the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The event was held on the grounds of Eastman Credit Union Field at Pioneer Park to mark this day in American history when two planes struck the World Trade Center in New York, another hit the Pentagon in Washington and a fourth crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. The event included remarks, a moment of silence and the tolling of bells followed by the climbing of 2,200 steps in Pioneer Park.
“We will never forget the tragedy of 9/11 and the way evil took away the lives of so many individuals who still had much to accomplish on earth,” said the Rev. E.J. Swatsell, the university’s director of spiritual life and special projects and chair of the America 250/Tusculum 232 Committee. “At the same time, we will always remember the sacrifice made by firefighters and other first responders who courageously fought to save as many lives as possible. This ceremony will remind us of the strength and resolve of the United States to ensure our principles as a nation endured and thrived afterward.”
The university collaborated with the Flyboys, an Appalachian League team, and Tusculum’s athletic program to mark this occasion with dignity and American pride. In addition to speeches, the event featured prayer, the National Anthem and a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., when the first plane hit the World Trade Center.
The occasion then transitioned to the stair climb, where firefighters, other public safety personnel and students and other citizens spread across the baseball park and climbed 2,200 steps to symbolize the 110 stories of the World Trade Center towers.
“It has been 25 years since the 9/11 attacks on our country, and the memory of that day lives on in every American’s heart and mind,” said Brandon Bouschart, the Flyboys’ general manager. “The Greeneville Flyboys, along with Tusculum University, wanted to do our part in showing a small bit of gratitude by honoring those we lost that day and to recognize the brave first responders.”
The ceremony and the stair climb were part of the university’s America 250/Tusculum 232 commemoration. The fall semester is filled with events to honor the 250th birthday of America and highlight the 232nd birthday of Tusculum, which is the oldest higher education institution in Tennessee.
Besides the 9/11 event, Tusculum will celebrate Charter Day in recognition of the date when Greeneville College, a predecessor name for the university, received its charter in 1794. The university will also hold presentations about the faith of President George Washington, Sycamore Shoals and a rare books collection at Tusculum and have activities for Constitution Day. Tusculum will host Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site for a presentation, and the Freedom 250 Mobile Museum will come to the university.
For Tusculum’s Athletic Department, the opportunity to be part of the 9/11 activities is particularly meaningful.
“The pain of 9/11 is embedded in every American’s heart, but we also remember how people came together to give blood and recall how sports played an important part in helping the United States heal,” said Josh Ealy, vice president of athletics. “For Tusculum, participation in the ceremony and the stair climb represents another opportunity to be civically engaged with our community as we grieve the loss but stand together as we move forward.
