Remembering the tragedy of 9/11

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Travis Whittington
  • 97th Intelligence Squadron
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  On the anniversary of Sept.11 each year, Americans around the world gather to remember the terrorist attacks of 2001.

Here in the Heartland, people can choose from a variety of events to attend.

Bellevue Public Schools district will hold its annual Freedom Walk Sept. 9 at 4:30 p.m. The walk will highlight the importance of supporting our nation's military and remembering those who died on that fateful day.

More than 1,800 people attended last year's events.

"It is wonderful to live in a community that values service in our armed forces and understands the sacrifices that families make every day," said John Deegan, BPS superintendant.

Those interested in participating in this year's Freedom Walk can choose from a selection of different activities. The walk will be held after a short ceremony at the lied activities center. After walking around the lifelong learning center, people will be given 50 American flags representing the 50 states. The flags will be handed out by Bellevue West and East Air Force Junior ROTC students. All of the activities are free and everyone is encouraged to participate.

Offutt's chapel staff is hosting a 9/11 remebrance at the SAC Chapel Sept. 10 with a meditation period from 8 a.m. to 11:20 a.m., an 11:50 a.m. Catholic mass and a prayer ceremony from noon to 12:10 p.m.

There's a Freedom Run, sponsored by BPS, Sept. 11. The run begins at the lied activities center at 8:30 a.m. Those interested in participating in the run must download the registration form or call 293-5000.

The final event is a 9/11 Memorial Ceremony Sept. 11 at Kramer Park, across from the Hayworth Park in Bellevue. Historically the ceremony has included senior military officers laying a memorial wreath and a citizenship ceremony where people are sworn in as U. S. citizens. An honor guard will also present the colors.

For more information on the Freedom Walk, and Run, click here. (Airman Whittington is a volunteer staff writer in 55th Wing Public Affairs.)