President Barack Obama will be at the University of Arizona Wednesday.
Details from UA spokesman Johnny Cruz:
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have accepted the University of Arizona’s invitation to visit Tucson in response to the tragic shooting that occurred on Saturday.President Obama will speak at a memorial event at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12 to support and remember victims of the mass shooting in Tucson, and to lift the spirits of those who have been personally affected by this tragedy.
“Together We Thrive: Tucson and America,” will take place at McKale Center and is free and open to the campus and greater Tucson community.
In addition to President Obama, UA President Robert N. Shelton, state and federal officials and members of the Associated Students of the UA will give brief remarks. The event will include a Native American blessing, a moment of silence, a poetry reading and the presentation of a chain featuring messages from members of the public.
The start of classes has been delayed until Thursday.
UA students, employees and visitors are encouraged to visit the UA Mall on Wednesday afternoon to write messages on the chain that will be presented later that night.
Doors will open at 4 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as a capacity crowd is expected, and there will be increased security as part of the President’s visit.
Stay tuned to UANews.org, Facebook.com/uarizona or twitter.com/uofa for additional details about this special event.
