The tradition of the challenge coin stems from ancient Roman times and was later adopted by modern military during WWI. The presentation of a special coin spread to non-military units including the U.S. Congress to commemorate important events. 

Anna Maria College had this special “Operation Patriotism” coin minted in remembrance of the 20th Anniversary of 9/11. 

This Week in Worcester: 5 Things You Need to Know Today in Worcester – September 9

Millbury-Sutton Chronicle: 9/11 commemorations in Worcester area, as well as Boston

Telegram: 9/11 commemoration events in Central Mass 

Telegram: Anna Maria College Tribute 20^th Anniversary 9/11 attacks

Telegram: Photos of 9/11 tribute

Spectrum: Anna Maria College holds tribute on 20th anniversary of 9/11

Proclamation from Governor Charles D. Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn E. Polito

Speakers

Master of Ceremonies: Mike Nikitas, former NECN anchor

Invocation: Rev. Paul O’Connell, Associate Judicial Vicar, Diocese of Worcester

Keynote: Ed Davis, Former Boston Police Commissioner and Anna Maria Alumnus

Remarks: Anna Maria College President Mary Lou Retelle

Honored Guests: John Creamer and the Creamer family

Blessing of the Freedom Tree: Reverend Richard Reidy, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Worcester and Trustee of Anna Maria College

Presentation of the Challenge Coin: Brigadier General Greg Smith, US Army (Ret)

Greetings:

Paxton Select Board Vice Chair Julia Pingitore

Worcester City Councilor Sean Rose

Worcester City Councilor Donna Colorio

Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis

Worcester District Attorney Joe Early

State Senator Anne Gobi

Congressman Jim McGovern

Clergy:

Reverend Richard Reidy, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Worcester and Trustee of Anna Maria College;

Rev. David Cotter, Anna Maria College Chaplain and Pastor St Columba’s Church, Paxton;

Rev. Jane Willan, Pastor of the Paxton Congregational Church;

Mr. Steven Schimmel, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Central Mass;

Rev. Clyde D. Talley, Pastor of the Belmont AME Zion Church;

Dr. Saleem A. Khanani, Director of Interfaith Services at the Islamic Society of Greater Worcester;

Rev. Paul O’Connell, Associate Judicial Vicar, Diocese of Worcester; and

Rev. Bill Schipper, Pastor, Mary Queen of the Rosary Parish, Spencer

Music:

Anna Maria Wind Ensemble directed by Miriam Jensen

Soloist Chloe Panico

Trumpeter Christopher Hanks

Anna Maria College would like to extend its deepest appreciation and gratitude to the following:

The Home Depot Foundation

Home Depot, Auburn, MA

9/11 Memorial, New York, NY

Empire Granite Monuments Company, Worcester, MA

David Grenon

Department of the Air Force

Department of Defense

Federal Aviation Administration

Hilton Hotels

Massachusetts Army and Air National Guard

Mercandante Funeral Home and Chapel, Worcester, MA

Military Order of World Wars

O’Connor Brothers Funeral Home, Worcester, MA

Rice Funeral Home, Worcester, MA

Ten West Market

Worcester Country Memorial Park, Paxton, MA

Members of the law enforcement and fire community