Rain doesn't stop San Antonio's Freedom Walk

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Phyllis Duff
  • Air Force Print News
Off and on rain, symbolic tears, fell upon the more than 1,200 walkers who took part in San Antonio's first Freedom Walk Sept. 11 in remembrance of the tragic attacks that scarred America five years ago. 

"Remembering the Pentagon, the World Trade Center in New York, and Shanksville, Pa., the America Supports You Freedom Walk begins a new national tradition to reflect on the lives lost Sept. 11, 2001; renews our commitment to freedom and the values of our country; and honors our veterans, past and present," said Amy Palmer, executive vice president of Operation Homefront and coordinator for the event.

Before the walk began, the crowd stood inside the Alamodome sports arena for a ceremony. Posting of the colors by nearby Fort Sam Houston's joint color guard was followed the singing of the Star Spangled Banner by a choir from the Air Force Manpower Agency at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.
 
Speaking at the event was Gen. William R. Looney III, Air Education and Training Command commander from Randolph AFB. General Looney spoke of the importance of reaffirming and recharging our commitment as "freedom loving people." 

Sacrifices will continue and lives will be lost in the pursuit of freedom, but "we must continue to fight this war on terror," General Looney said. "It is going to be a long war, but freedom isn't free.  We owe it to our children and our children's children. Together we will fight this war. Not only will we win, we must win."
 
A lone bagpiper played "Amazing Grace," as the walkers followed the color guard outside to begin the 2.2-mile walk.

Civilians, children and service members marched on the closed-off streets from the Alamodome, through the downtown area, and back. Greeted by on-lookers and people opening their shops for the day, the solemn walk marked a day to reflect.

"I'm here to support the servicemembers who are still over there fighting the war," said Grace Lopez. Her son, Army Spc. Lauro DeLeon Jr., was killed by an improvised explosive device in Balad, Iraq, just over two years ago. 

"We need to remind ourselves of their sacrifices. You just don't see as much support anymore." she said. "There aren't as many flags and yellow ribbons flying like we used to see."

Freedom Walks took place throughout the country today, while some held ceremonies over the weekend.
 
"It's important to remember what happened," said Senior Master Sgt. Rosa Cavazos, who recalled hearing the news of the attack on the World Trade Centers in Spanish, coming from a 5" black and white TV. "It was so unbelievable. I had to turn on the big television and then it hit me," she said. "I was in tears for a week."
 
"I think it's really important, as individuals, as a community and as a country, to remember that we always must be vigilant and we always should be connected to each other," Ms. Palmer said.

This is the first such event for San Antonio. In the past five years, there have been many small groups who did their own little ceremony on 9/11, but this was an opportunity to bring everyone together in one location, Ms. Palmer said. 

"We hope that in time, more and more people will join us on this important day," she said.

Although the event was not a fundraiser, it was an "opportunity for us to raise awareness about the mission of Operation Homefront. We have so many services available," Ms. Palmer said. The group's focus is to pay tribute to military members, their families and veterans she said.

"Operation Homefront serves military families," Ms. Palmer said. "We felt this was one way we could serve these families and also give the public an opportunity to show how appreciative they are of their sacrifices."

Operation Homefront, a national non-profit group that provides emergency support and assistance to servicemembers and their families, sponsored the San Antonio Freedom Walk, also sponsored by America Supports You, the Defense Department's program highlighting ways Americans can support U.S. servicemembers. The Pentagon sponsored the first America Supports You Freedom Walk in the Washington, D.C., area in 2005. 

Ms. Palmer said this walk was a great opportunity for the families to participate in an event and be recognized.