McConnell holds ‘Freedom Walk’ to commemorate 9/11

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica Lockoski
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  On Sept. 11, McConnell will hold a Freedom Walk event that will allow base members to walk for the sake of remembering the Sept. 11 attacks six years ago.

This will be the first year the Team McConnell will participate in the National "American Supports You: Freedom Walk."

"I am hoping this will become a tradition and not just a one-time event," said Shellie Vincent, military spouse and Enlisted Spouses Club president.

The annual nationwide Freedom Walk started in 2005 with a march in Washington, D.C., and pays tribute to lives lost on Sept. 11. According to the Department of Defense, it is meant to renew the American people's commitment to the freedoms of the United States and to honor the nation's military veterans and those whose currently serve.

"Walking is something that almost everyone can do, yet it carries such significance with the Freedom Walk," said Mrs. Vincent. "It lets everyone in the community know we are standing by our commitment to 'never forget.' We will never understand why so many had to lose there lives that day. The best we can do is remember them and honor those lost."

The Freedom Walk registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the outdoor track behind the Robert J. Dole Community Center. The walking portion of the event will begin at 9 a.m. with other activities lasting until 11 a.m. The Voices of McConnell will perform the national anthem, the base honor guard will present the colors, and retired Col. Bruce Clarke will address participants.

The track parking lot will be sectioned off, so participants should park in the Dole Center parking lot areas.

"The world stopped turning Sept. 11, 2001, and this sixth anniversary we are asking people to take two hours out of their busy lives and remember those we lost. It is also a time to reflect on the service and sacrifice servicemembers at McConnell make everyday," said Mrs. Vincent.

"I ask everyone to share where they were when the attacks occurred because many people can say where they were, what they were doing, and who they were with during that time," said Mrs. Vincent. "While some might wish to forget, it is carved in our memories. It has become a part of who we are."

To register in advance, people should send their names, ages, and phone numbers and their location during the 9/11 attacks to FreedomWalk911@yahoo.com by Sept. 7.

For more information, call Shellie Vincent at 304-8677.