In photos: 9/11 ceremony at Augusta University

The city of Augusta and Augusta University held a ceremony Saturday, Sept. 10 at the D. Douglas Barnard Jr. Amphitheatre on the Summerville Campus to commemorate the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Speakers included Augusta University Director of Community Affairs Partnership and Economic Development Cedric Johnson, Interim Administrator for Augusta-Richmond County Takiyah Douse, Chair of the Board of Commissioners for Columbia County Doug Duncan, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Director of Field Operations Danny Whitehead, Richmond County Marshal Ramon Lampkin and Augusta Fire Chief Antonio Burden.

Noted Columbia County business leader Michael Siewert, also known as Signature Mike of Signature Interiors, was master of ceremonies for the sixth annual memorial and the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation 5K. 

The event also featured Lora Huff singing the national anthem with the John Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School Jazz Band. The band also performed “God Bless America.” The Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, the Augusta Fire Department, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and Augusta University ROTC Honor Guards presented the colors and a ceremonial bell rang just before 8:46 a.m.

Several Columbia County and Richmond County public safety agencies participated, including fire, marshal’s and sheriff’s offices. 

Also around 8:46, the 5K Run/Walk began. More than 200 people participated in the 5K, with all funds raised going toward building smart homes for wounded warriors.