Texas A&M Texarkana Pays Tribute To 911 With Memorial Service

A great crowd turned out for a Memorial service today at Texas A&M University-Texarkana at Bringle Lake campus. Dr. C.B. Rathburn President of A&M welcomed everyone in attendance to the outdoor event which featured Arkansas High and Texas High Bands performing the National Anthem complete with a military flyover and 21 Gun Salute from the Texarkana, Arkansas & Texarkana, Texas police departments. A special placement of wreaths honoring victims of 911 was presented by Nancy & Dennis Barth, in remembrance of  United States Armed Forces, 911 Firefighters,Police Officers and 911 Medical Personnel.

A patriotic medley was performed by the Liberty-Eylau High School Choir after a moment of silence was observed by the large crowd on hand. Arkansas side Mayor Wayne Smith, and Texas side Mayor Steve Mayo gave a short reading. Then Arkansas High School & Texas High dedicated a game ball and place it on the Wreath of Remembrance as presented by the Pleasant Grove Elementary Kindergarten Class.

After the 21 Gun Salute that echoed off the A&M building Gunnery Sgt. Richard Hall played TAPS and then Ms. Stephanie Casteel performed "God Bless The USA".

In closing Mr. Vernon Love walked through the crowd and played "Amazing Grace" on bag pipes to wrap up the almost hour long memorial service.

Great job to everyone involved in making this a great community event and a remembrance for Texarkana.

The commemorative weekend continues with a "Students FORE Soldiers Charity Golf Tournament benefiting the national Wounded Warriors Project at Northridge Country Club at 8am Saturday.

Also the Texarkana USA 9-11 5K Run/Walk at the Texas A&M campus starting at 8am.

Here's some video we shot at the event today...