Participants: Freedom Walk a time of remembrance

Janis Upchurch, like most, remembers exactly where she was on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001.

I was teaching first grade, Upchurch said. We heard about it, turned on the TV, and thats when the towers started to fall. My son was in elementary school at the time, but that event made up his mind about joining the Marines.

Upchurch, the president of Blue Star Mothers Chapter 12, was one of 50 to 75 people who participated in the 2012 Freedom Walk on Saturday morning. The event was started five years ago to commemorate the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, as well as honor all retired and active duty military, police and fire personnel.

Gary Young, an Air Force veteran, brought his sister and son with him for the walk. Young said he has been involved in the event for all five years, and he wouldnt miss it for the world.

I like the purpose behind it, Young said. Id like to see more people participate though. I dont think anyone has forgotten about what happened, but it would be nice if they came out and joined with us in remembrance.

There were snacks and drinks preceding the walk, as well as a short ceremony consisting of a prayer, the singing of the national anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the playing of taps by Muskogee High School Band Director Steve Wiles.

Oscar Ray also gave a short speech where he addressed the importance of remembering the tragedy, but also the higher importance of celebrating the heroes and their accomplishments.

Im pretty sure when the families who lost someone that day remember their loved ones, they smile, Ray said. This should be more of a celebration of life than a somber remembrance.

Thea Devers, who also is an Air Force veteran, said she spent the morning of Sept. 11 at work and couldnt believe it when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon.

I was a courier for the White House and the state department, Devers said. The Pentagon was one of my many stops. It could have been me in there when it happened. I thank God I missed it.

See the article here:
Participants: Freedom Walk a time of remembrance