UTM will "Salute America" during halftime of its football game against East Tennessee State University Sept. 11 at Hardy M. Graham Stadium.

Sept. 11, 2003, marks the second anniversary of the date the United States was attacked by terrorists. Since then, thousands of service men and women have responded to calls to defend the nation or care for those injured or killed in the line of duty.

In appreciation of those who have served, all military, police, firefighters, paramedics and health care personnel will be admitted free to the Skyhawk football game. Kickoff is set for 7:05 p.m.

Admission will be granted to those in uniform and those with any form of identification as past or present member of these groups.

A Salute to America tribute will be held at halftime to recognize these individuals by group.

Three U.S. Army Apache helicopters will fly over Graham Stadium before the game, and the Army ROTC drill team will perform at halftime. UTM English instructor Anna Clark will read an original essay as part of the "Salute to America." The Skyhawk Experience gets under way at 5:30 p.m. at Graham Stadium. The sisters of the Xi Zeta chapter of Chi Omega will host their 13th Annual Chi Omega Barbecue. All proceeds from the barbecue will go to the UTM Athletics Department.

The barbecue begins at 5 p.m. and tickets may be purchased in advance by responding by phone by Sept. 9. Tickets are $5 in advance and $6 at the gate. Reserved tickets will be at the entrance of Hardy Graham Stadium, and you may pick them up on the day of the barbecue.

For more information and to reserve your tickets, call (731) 587-4228.

Skyhawk athletics will have two giant inflatables for youngsters. A giant castle and a sports arena bouncer will be set up near the south end of the stadium.

In addition, UTM students and the general public will be able to qualify for the First State Bank Punt, Pass and Kick Contest.

Two contestants will have a chance to win $5,000 each if they are successful in the punt, pass and kick contest.

The UTM marching band and cheerleaders will also perform before the game.