AUSTIN, Texas—The University of Texas at Austin will hold a brief public ceremony on Aug. 1 to dedicate a special place in the heart of the campus as the “Tower Garden” in recognition of those who died and others whose lives were touched by the Aug. 1, 1966, shooting from the Tower.
The Tower Garden site, a tree-covered grassy area just north of the Tower and Main Building, is a favorite quiet spot for visiting families and members of the University community.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. at the garden site with President Larry R. Faulkner presiding.
“We are dedicating this Tower Garden, a most precious parcel of land on the campus, in memory of all the people who suffered as a result of the tragedy on Aug. 1, 1966. This event touched our community in a profound way, and it is our hope that this Tower Garden will be a place where people can come for reflection and renewed serenity,” said Faulkner.
The dedication will be preceded by a 9 a.m. Sunday ceremony on the South Mall lowering the flags to half-staff. On the evening of Aug. 1, the Tower will be darkened.
Families and friends of the victims are invited to join the University and the Austin community in attending the flag ceremony and the public dedication event, which is the first step in the creation of a Tower Garden. A committee comprising people from the University and the Austin community will work together in the months ahead to develop a design and plan for the garden.
The Tower Garden in May 2000 will be the site of UT Remembers, the University’s annual memorial service. For additional information, contact Terry Evers of the president’s office at (512) 471-7753, or Dr. Peggy Kruger, director of the Office of Public Affairs, (512) 471-3151.
