Lipscomb hosts memorial service at bell tower, commemorating 9/11

Lipscomb hosts memorial service at bell tower, commemorating 9/11

In remembrance of Sept. 11, 2001, the Lipscomb community hosted a special event to honor the victims and the heroes of the tragic terrorist attacks 11 years ago. Tuesday morning the Allen Bell Tower became a place of observance and remembrance. Lipscomb students and staff, as well as the surrounding community, gathered to recall the events of that day and pray for those affected and for the future of America. At the conclusion of the service, the bells tolled 11 times at 7:46 a.m., representing the time when the first plane flew into the north tower of the World Trade Center. “We are grateful for the changing fortunes of our lives. We know all comfort and consolation comes from you,” said Randy Bostic, who led the group in prayer before the bells chimed. “Let the heroes of this event be an example of courage, and let us apply it to our life with you.” Jim Humphrey, assistant dean of students and director of veteran services who retired from service last November after 22 years, organized the event. Humphrey said he wanted it to take place at a convenient time for those with 8 a.m. classes, which happened to line up with the original time of disaster. Humphrey led the group in reflecting on the events that forever marked Sept. 11, and then a moment of silence followed. The 16-minute ceremony was meant to be emotionally light but significant in its meaning, he said. “These aren’t just numbers, but real people who died,” Humphrey said, referring to the 3,000 people who lost their lives that day. “To me, it’s almost...

Lineup for second annual Operation Yellow Ribbon includes General Tommy Franks, Charlie Daniels Band and more

The second annual Operation Yellow Ribbon event will be this Tuesday, Mar. 29 at 7 p.m. in Allen Arena. “We hope this inspiring evening of stories and songs will do three things,” said David Hughes, assistant dean of students and director of the Yellow Ribbon Program. “We want it to raise awareness about the Yellow Ribbon Program, honor the military and veterans and help raise funds to support Yellow Ribbon.” General Tommy Franks, who is also the author of New York Times bestseller American Soldier, will be the keynote speaker again this year. General Franks spoke at last year’s Operation Yellow Ribbon on the importance of family, faith and flag and will be delivering a message just as strong this time around. Hughes describes him as a dynamic speaker who can “have you in stitches one minute, then crying the next.” The event’s evening benefit concert has been arranged by the Charlie Daniels Band production team absolutely free of charge to show their support for the military. “Without the Charlie Daniels Band production team this event would not happen,” Hughes said. “They are that integral to this.” The benefit concert will feature acoustic performances by Charlie Daniels, Wynonna Judd, Montgomery Gentry and the Grascals. Hughes says, however, this will be much more than a concert as each performer will also be telling stories. Funds raised by the event will go to support the Yellow Ribbon Program, which has been established at Lipscomb since  on Aug, 1, 2009. This program is part of a partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs which allows veterans to pursue an education at public or private...