Illini set plans to honor Sept. 11 anniversary

CHAMPAIGN — University of Illinois athletics officials announced plans to honor the heroes of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on America during Saturday’s game against South Dakota State.

Among the activities will be an American flag giveaway, personalized videos from military personnel and a patriotic halftime show by the Marching Illini.

The first 10,000 fans to enter Memorial Stadium on Saturday will receive an American flag and there will be a moment of silence in remembrance prior to the start of the game. For the national anthem, a tri-service color guard composed of members of the campus Army, Navy and Air Force ROTC units will present the colors along with another composed of police and fire officials.

During the game, military and emergency personnel will be recognized for their service, and videos submitted by military personnel will be shown on the video board. At halftime, the Marching Illini will perform a tribute titled “An American Salute.”

The Illini will host South Dakota State at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Single-game tickets can be purchased at the Assembly Hall north box office, by phone at 1-866-ILLINI-1 or at www.athletics.illinois.edu/tickets/.