Get Ready for Freedom Walk - Sept 7th

In 2005, Pentagon employees wishing to commemorate the attack on the Pentagon and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, created what has become a new national tradition—the America Supports You Freedom Walk. Over 15,000 people walked from the Pentagon to the National Mall to pay tribute to those who died; renew their commitment to freedom and the values of our country; and honor our veterans, past and present. The response from people across the country who learned of that first America Supports You Freedom Walk was overwhelming. The following year, in addition to the National Walk, 135 ASY Freedom Walks sprang up across the country. Last year, the number continued to grow as Americans everywhere embraced the idea. In fact, 255 ASY Freedom Walks took place in every state in the nation, as well as in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, Italy, Guam, Japan, Kuwait and Canada.


Last year in Sebring, Ohio, 10-year-old Colton Lockner hosted 1,000 people for his second annual America Supports You Freedom Walk. In Paramus, N.J., 12-year-old Joey Rizzolo organized the first annual walk in his community. Mayor Jim Tedesco and U.S. Congressman Scott Garrett along with 400 Paramus residents joined the walk. Joey has written a manual to teach students his age how to organize an ASY Freedom Walk. All 50 of the Killeen, Texas Independent School District’s campuses held ASY Freedom Walks and Dani Lamana, whose brother died in the Pentagon attack, organized an ASY Freedom Walk in Baton Rouge, La. An FBI agent who helped at the Pentagon on 9/11 organized an ASY Freedom Walk in Bolling Green, Ky. In Oxford, Pa., a military spouse whose husband is deployed in Afghanistan organized her second annual walk. And in Aventura, Fla., mall walkers held an America Supports You Freedom Walk and ceremony to remember those who lost their lives and those who serve to protect us now.


America Supports You Freedom Walks are becoming a part of the fabric of our country. The demonstration of communities gathering together to remember this significant day and those protecting our freedoms is felt by our Armed Forces both at home and abroad. We encourage each city to plan a walk that best fits and exemplifies their community. Walks can be held early in the morning, during the lunch hour or after work. They can be held on September 11, or around the date, depending on local traffic patterns. However they are organized, the America Supports You Freedom Walks are a wonderful opportunity for cities, work places, schools, or groups of citizens to gather together and remember this significant day and those protecting our freedom. America Supports You Freedom Walks are also an excellent tool to use as a history lesson for students.

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