MoWest, first responders mark 25 years since 9/11 with tribute week

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Missouri Western State University and local first responders are partnering for a 9/11 tribute week marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Director of Military and Veteran Services Gabrielle Prohaska is running the events for the first time. She wanted to make sure this year they did all they could to honor everyone who was lost.

"With me being a military veteran myself and originally from New York, I really felt passionate about doing something big this year," Prohaska said.

The events hosted this week are about remembering what took place, but they also provide a chance to educate those who may not have been alive or old enough to remember. Battalion Chief Jeff Werner spoke about why this day needs to be remembered.

"I don't enjoy this week, just like anyone else that actually remembers what's going on, but it needs to be remembered," Werner said. "It just needs to be remembered because it was a change in the course of a mindset in our nation."

Everyone involved in making the event a reality was pleased with the turnout by students. Director of the Center for Service Angie Osborn said the students really enjoyed the tribute.

"I think our students have been really loving this event," Osborn said. "They've been very engaged and it's been nonstop since we started the first climber."

On Wednesday, Sept. 9, there will be a battle of the badges blood drive from noon to 4 p.m. in Blum Union. The 9/11 stair climb will take place at Spratt Memorial Stadium on Friday, Sept. 11, starting at 7:30 a.m.