On Sept. 11, 2001, many Americans witnessed something that had never happened in their lifetimes: a large-scale attack by a foreign entity on American soil.

As the 10th anniversary of the attack that changed the country approaches, Sam Houston State University will commemorate the nearly 3,000 lives lost, including responders, in the four airplane crashes.

The event—which will include the Walker County Sheriff’s Office, the University Police Department, the Huntsville Police Department, the Huntsville Fire Department, Walker County Constable’s Office, Emergency Medical Services, and the Department of Public Safety—will be held on Friday, Sept. 9, from 9:45-10:10 a.m. in Bearkat Plaza.

“We wanted to host the event on Sept. 9 instead of the actual date because we want people to remember the event throughout their weekend and to give special recognition on Sept. 11,” said Maggie Collum, director for university events. “This event has touched the lives of all Americans, and we don’t want to take away from the memorial services that will be held all over the nation on Sept. 11, but instead we want it to begin a weekend of remembrance.”

SHSU’s commemoration event will include performances by the SHSU band, a welcome and recognitions by university President Dana Gibson, the presentation of colors by the SHSU Army ROTC, and a city perspective by Huntsville Mayor Jay Turner.

In addition, cannons will be fired at the times when the World Trade Center Towers were hit (8:46 and 9:01 a.m., respectively), when the Pentagon was hit (9:45 a.m.), when the first tower fell (9:59 a.m.), when the airplane crashed in Pennsylvania (10:03 a.m.), and when the second tower fell (10:28 a.m.).

Commemorative bracelets also will be handed out throughout the week.