In honor of the 10th anniversary of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2011, several hundred people participated Friday in the fifth annual Freedom Walk on Fort Stewart.
The Freedom Walk is a national program that began six years ago in Washington, D.C., and is held in more than 300 communities across the United States, according to Fort Stewart public affairs.
The event commemorates the 9/11 attacks and offers citizens an opportunity to unite with service members, veterans, police, firefighters and other first responders.
“It’s just a great opportunity to remember those who take care of us,” Fort Stewart public affairs officer Dina McCain said.
Fort Stewart Garrison Commander Col. Kevin Milton, Hinesville Mayor Jim Thomas and Liberty County Commission Chairman John McIver spoke during an observance before Freedom Walk participants began their trek down Gulick Avenue.
Area fire departments also displayed emergency vehicles along 6th Street, for walkers to view before the walk.
Standing next to Pink Heals Tour fire truck “Gigi” was Fort Stewart firefighter Shane Shifflett.
He was a Maryland firefighter in 2001. He assisted in recovery after the attack on the Pentagon.
“We all gathered as volunteers the next morning on 9/12 and made our way down to the scene where it really hit home,” he said.
“We can’t forget we lost 343 brothers and sisters (at the World Trade Center) that day.”