NCS4 Director Dr. Lou Marciani and Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree with the 9/11 Sports Safety and Security Memorial. Unveiled on September 11, 2013. Photo courtesy of Kelly Dunn, The University of Southern Mississippi.

 A 111-lb. metal artifact from the collapsed World Trade Center became part of a permanent memorial at the entrance to NCS4 at the Trent Lott National Center in Hattiesburg, Miss. on September 11, 2013.  

According to an NCS4 press release,  "The events of 9/11 were a major factor in the creation of NCS4 and this memorial signifies the university’s commitment to the Center to provide training, professional development, academic programs, as well as research to address safety and security issues at sporting events."

First responders from the Pine Belt area, as well as city officials, attended the memorial service held on the Hattiesburg campus. Photo courtesy of Kelly Dunn, The University of Southern Mississippi.

Sponsored by NCS4, an event was held to unveil and dedicate the sculpture, and first responders from the Pine Belt area, as well as city officials, were in attendance.