Photo By Maj. Chad Nixon | On September 10th, 2024, a group of Army Reserve Soldiers, Airmen, First Responders,...... read more read more
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NEW JERSEY – On September 10th, 2024, a group of Army Reserve Soldiers, Airmen, First Responders, and Civilians converged to test themselves both mentally and physically and undertake a 100-mile journey to honor the victims and survivors from the September 11th, 2001, attacks.
The team started their journey in New Jersey and finished 36 hours later in New York City.
“We walked 100 miles for 9/11 to honor the memory of the victims and the brave first responders who faced unimaginable challenges," said Capt. Alicia N. Lee, 2nd Brigade, 78th Training Division Headquarters and Headquarters Company Commander. "Each mile represented a commitment to never forget their sacrifices and to keep their stories alive."
Throughout the journey, Lee and her team forged bonds by exchanging stories and providing words of encouragement to strengthen the team while making the groups well-being and safety a top priority.
Guided by the motto 'Never Forget,' the team underscored the importance of preserving the legacy of 9/11, ensuring that future generations, including the newest cohorts of officers, non-commissioned officers, and Soldiers born after the tragic events, would forever remember and honor its significance.
“It was a reminder of what our Country went through on that tragic day and why so many of us volunteered to raise our right hand and wear this uniform proudly," said Master Sgt. Ashley M. Killian, the Human Resources NCOIC for 2nd Brigade, 78th Training Division. "It was a way to remember those that we lost on September 11th, 2001, and the impacts families, states, town, and cities still feel today.”
The team’s requirement was to have a minimum of one person always walking, to make sure every inch of the 100-mile course was covered. Killian led the charge, completing 88.56 total miles and setting a personal record.
After 36 hours the team completed the journey and Army Reserve Soldiers, filled with both pride and pain, concluded their vigil with an emotional flag-folding ceremony. As a symbol of respect and gratitude, they presented the American flag to David Sheehan, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the National September 11th memorial Museum. Honoring his commitment to the event, Sheehan will coordinate for this flag to be flown over the memorial to complete the symbolic journey.
“Every step, blister, and muscle ache were a huge reminder that we must never forget,” said Killian.
| Date Taken: | 10.01.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.03.2024 11:48 |
| Story ID: | 482226 |
| Location: | NEW JERSEY, US |
| Web Views: | 126 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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