Captain Kevin Beavers walked onto Chamberlain field with one goal in mind–to remember the impact of 9/11.

“We’re just having conversations,” Beavers said. “The biggest thing with us, in the military, is that we never forget. Someone is truly never forgotten as long as you speak their name.”

From 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., Captain Beavers encouraged people to show up, be patriotic, and tell their stories. And for 11 hours, the American flag never stopped circulating the field, passing from one pair of hands to another.

Both UTC students and members of the public were encouraged to show their support by walking or running laps around Chamberlain field.

Candy Johnson, a community member and apart of the Chancellor’s Multicultural task force, participated in the event. Johnson was in college when she heard about 9/11. “I thought the world was ending,” Johnson said, “I thought we were going to have another world war.”

Johnson said her participation in this event was out of reverence than respect and that she was “honoring the military for continuing the mission that was established that day.”

However, some participants were too young to really recall much of the events of 9/11. Mason Beebe, a senior and member of UTC’s ROTC program, said, “I remember seeing it on TV and that it was a really big deal. It took a couple years to sink in.”

Eventually the impact did sink in. “It was an affirmation for me,” he said, referring to the events of 9/11, “This is why I want to serve.”

Many different groups came out and showed their support during UTC ROTC’s event, “11 Hours of Remembrance.” Members of fraternities, sororities, and athletic teams walked laps around the field, holding the American flag high. Many veterans and current servicemen also paid their respects.

Avery Hurst, a member of the community and surgeon for the armed forces, also participated in the event. Like Mason Beebe, Hurst used the tragic event to fuel her own inner fire, inspiring her to become a surgeon and join the military. Hurst dedicated her walk to both her “strong roots in service” and the heroism of the first responders.

Captain Beavers wanted Chattanooga to remember the victims of 9/11 and the impact it’s had in this country. He set out to connect the past, present, and future of those who experienced it first hand and those who have only heard about it through history books. And through this event, “11 Hours of Remembrance,” he did exactly that.

 

 

 

 

 

Meet the Storytellers

Allie Schrenker

Allie Schrenker is a committed athlete studying Communications and Creative Writing at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with plans to graduate in May 2019. She is one of the editors for UTC’s literary journal and is currently pursuing a career in photojournalism.

Tiffany Closson

Tiffany Closson is a senior marketing major at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She studied luxury fashion in Paris and has spent time in photojournalism working with local stories. As a marketing intern she has knowledge in website analytics and social media management.

 

Brianna (Charlye) White

Brianna (Charlye) White is in her senior year at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, majoring in Communications. She is the Community Outreach Assistant for the Bethlehem Center, and a Writer and News Anchor for her school news media, Mocs News. Visit www.thbeth.org to view her work and email her at white.brianna17@gmail.com to learn more.

Jackson Hollis

Jackson Hollis has been a photojournalist for the UTC Echo for almost a year. He has shot many events for the paper including including parades, rally’s, sports events, and more. Jackson has lived in Chattanooga for over 3 years and loves sports and the outdoors. Jackson can be contacted either by cell (615) 479-5115 or by email jvaughnhollis@gmail.com.

Elian Richter

Elian Richter is an climbing instructor and action photographer. Elian works at High Point Climbing gym as a certified instructor and as a backup photographer. He now combines the skills learned from climbing with the skills he’s acquired in photography to do photo shoots for climbers and outdoors enthusiasts.

 

 

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