Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Hernandez | A runner crosses the finish line holding the American flag during the Texas A&M...... read more read more
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Texas A&M University-San Antonio hosted the 9/11 Heroes Run event to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center buildings Sept. 11, 2016 on the A&M-SA campus.
9/11 means a lot of different things of a lot of different people. For the Smith family, it’s a day of reflection.
“Today is obviously a day of remembrance, but it’s also a day of celebration,” said James Smith, a widower of a New York Police Department officer who died during 9/11 recovery operations. “Today is the day to celebrate my wife’s memory, her heroism, her courage, and her devotion to do what she liked to do.”
According to Smith, this day also serves a reminder to all of the significant contributions that first responders and emergency crews made on this unforgettable moment in history.
“We remember her daily, but on a day like today, we strive to let people know about her courage and not forget that her and her 22 brother officers sacrificed their lives that day for others to be able to go home to their families,” Smith said.
For Army Reserve Soldiers such as 2nd Lt. Nicholas Peisker, this event signifies positive traits of both civilians and military personnel in this country.
“I think that this event is a great demonstration of the strength and resiliency of the American people and service members,” said Peisker, a native of Naperville, Ill., and a medical student of the University of Texas Health Science Center – San Antonio. “I think that this community coming together like this really exemplifies the best of us Americans.”
Furthermore, Peisker asserts that this event helps to solidify the determination and resolve of the U.S. military in their overall mission.
“I think it’s important for today’s service members to carry forward that sense of integrity and purpose that we were given due to the attacks during 9/11. It really helped serve as a reminder of our purpose and mission to protect the American people, to serve them wherever they may ask, and it’s important to remember that every year during events like this.”
This event was sponsored by the Travis Manion Foundation, a nonprofit organization specializing in veteran advocacy and support of families of fallen service members. The 9/11 Heroes Run takes place every year in over 50 locations in the United States, as well as drawing about 50,000 participants via donations that go in support of veterans, families of the fallen, and local communities.
| Date Taken: | 09.12.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 09.13.2016 01:45 |
| Story ID: | 209379 |
| Location: | SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 64 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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