In remembrance of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, in New York, Washington, D.C. and outside of Shanksville, Pennsylvania, UCM will observe conduct ceremonies for its annual Patriot Day observance, according to a press release from Integrated Marketing and Communications. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the UCM quadrangle and will feature Col. Charles Hausman, commander, Combat Aviation Brigade, 35th Infantry Division.

The event is free to attend and is open to all university faculty, staff, students and the general public, according to the press release.

Hausman earned a bachelor’s degree in aviation technology in 1991 and a master’s degree in aviation safety in 1993 from UCM (then CMSU) and received a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies through the United States Naval War College in 2015. Hausman currently serves as the director of aviation and safety for the Missouri National Guard, according to the press release.

Per the press release, Hausman has received military awards including the Meritorious Service Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Army Achievement Medal.

Shari Bax, vice provost for Student Experience and Engagement, will open the ceremony by welcoming guests on behalf of the university.John Kennedy, Integrated Marketing and Communications staff, will sing the national anthem; Lt. Col. Bryan Vaden, professor of military science and leadership will conduct a moment of reflection; UCM’s Army ROTC cadets will post the colors and fire a canon; and members of the Warrensburg Fire Department, Johnson County Fire Protection District, Whiteman Air Force Base Fire Department, and community first responders will participate in the Ringing of the Bell Ceremony in honor of firefighters who died on 9/11, according to the press release.