To commemorate the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, the American Legion District 10 of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands will meet at 11 a.m. at Bassin Triangle in Christiansted to join cities throughout the United States in hosting the America Supports You Freedom Walk.
Additionally, District Commander Charles David is asking all V.I. houses of worship to pay remembrance to the thousands of lives lost on that day and those in uniform who have died in the war against terrorism.
“We are just asking people to really remember the innocent people whose lives were lost on 9/11, and whose lives continue to be lost in the war on terror,” David said, adding, “It’s a way to truly honor our country.”
The first America Supports You Freedom Walk, held Sept.11, 2005, in Washington, D.C., brought together more than 15,000 walkers—including family members of the victims of Sept. 11, members of Congress, federal workers, civic organizations and citizens from around the country.
The purpose of the walk is to establish a national tradition to reflect on the lives lost on 9/11, to renew commitment to the freedom and the values of the United States, and to honor veterans, past and present. The walk will begin at Bassin Triangle across from the Police Station and will travel down King Street onto the Mygron G. Danielson American Legion Post Headquarters No. 2 Hospital Grounds.
Furthermore, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the tragic events at the Pentagon, the twin towers in New York City, and the crash of United Flight 93 in Shanksville, Penn., and therefore the Legion will use this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to the ideas and ideals that united Americans in the aftermath of the attacks.
By a joint resolution approved Dec.18, 2001, Congress has designated Sept. 11 of each year as Patriot Day, and has requested the observance of Sept. 11 as an annually recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Additionally, American Legion District 10 would like every house of worship to pause and remember those killed on Sep. 11, and those in uniform who have lost their lives since. David is asking that each house of worship ring its bells at:
— 8:45 a.m. in remembrance of those who died when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
–9:03 a.m. in remembrance of those who died when United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South Tower of the World Trade Center
— 9:43 a.m. in remembrance of those who died when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon.
— 10 a.m. in remembrance of those who died when United Airlines Flight 93 crashed near Shanksville, Pa.
— Noon in remembrance of all those lost to acts of terrorism.
A Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony, featuring the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School JROTC Mighty Rays, will also be conducted on Monday, Sept. 12 to honor the lives lost, first responders, and the men and women of our armed forces who continue to serve at home and abroad.
