UC alum Col. Mike Farley stands beside a shaft of steel, taken from the twin towers, as he delivers an inspirational message to a group of faculty, staff, students and Williamsburg community members on Friday, Sept. 9.

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky.— University of the Cumberlands (UC) students, faculty, staff and Williamsburg community members gathered at UC’s Patriot Park at noon on Friday to remember Sept. 11.

Standing beside a shaft of steel taken from the twin towers and brought to UC by Andy Croley, UC alum Col. Mike Farley from Corbin gave an inspirational address to those gathered. UC’s marching band performed a number of patriotic selections, and UC’s ROTC Honor Guard conducted a retreat and flag ceremony.

UC ROTC Honor Guard cadets perform a retreat and flag ceremony during a 9/11 commemoration ceremony on Friday, Sept. 9 at Cumberlands’ Patriot Park. A shaft of steel, taken from the twin towers and brought to UC by Andy Croley, stands directly behind the cadets.

The 9/11 ceremony takes place at UC’s Patriot Park every year, on or around Sept. 11.

Located in Williamsburg, Ky., University of the Cumberlands is an institution of regional distinction, which currently offers four undergraduate degrees more than 40 major fields of study; nine pre-professional programs; seven graduate degrees, including a doctorate and six master’s degrees; certifications in education; and online programs.