Freedom Walk commemorates 10th year of 9/11

This year’s Freedom Walk which commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 events drew more participation from a community that joined hands in memory of all first responders, service members, and civilians who were victims to these terrorist acts.

Spearheaded by the National Disaster Preparedness and the 10th year September 11th Commemoration Committee, the walk yesterday began at around 6pm at the Garapan Fishing Base and ended at the American Memorial Park Amphitheater where a brief ceremony was held and attended by federal and local government officials.

Marvin K. Seman, special assistant for homeland security under the Office of the Governor, said that described this year’s walk’s turnout as “very great.”

“Every year, it keeps getting bigger and bigger,” he said in an interview after the ceremony that attracted spectators of different ages.

Glenn Deleon Guerrero, who works with the Transportation Security Administration, said he has joined the annual walk since it started 10 years ago.

“I think it’s very important to remember what happened that day and all the innocent lives that were lost. And as we remember those tragic events, we build a stronger nation,” said Deleon Guerrero.

Seventh grader Christine Kosam said her involvement in the annual walk shows that he sympathizes to all the people that got hurt in the 9/11 attacks.

“I always think that we should all walk together and participate in this Freedom Walk,” she said.

Prince Factor, 14, said it’s his first time to join the walk “to support all the 9/11 victims.”

While last night’s turnout was better than the previous years, Seman noted that there had always been support from various response agencies, local and federal law enforcement partners, the local American Red Cross, and other members of the community in the annual Freedom Walk.

“We have the support of the community who come out every year and they show their support especially to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedom. I’m very honored to be a part of paying tribute and never forgetting what they’ve done for us, what they sacrificed so much for us,” he told Saipan Tribune.”

Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, last night’s keynote speaker, said in his remarks that the “gruesome attacks” shook even the Commonwealth, a remote territory of the U.S.

“We join the millions of fellow American citizens and many others throughout the world in commemorating the epic tragedies of Sept. 11, 2001. On this day, we come together to offer our solemn prayers to all the innocent victims and rescuers who perished due to the tragic incident of what has become known as the 9/11 attacks,” he said.

Inos, who recognized all the first responders and volunteers during the Sept. 11 attacks, also acknowledged the 14 sons and daughters of the CNMI who were laid to rest due to the war on terror launched by the US after 9/11.

“They were sons and daughters of the [NMI] but more importantly, they were great soldiers and defenders of our freedom. Above all, they are our heroes and they will surely never be forgotten,” he said.

Last night’s ceremony featured a special Sept. 11 video tribute, a moment of silence to pray for all those who perished, followed by a 21-gun salute, the playing of Taps, and a final salute of sirens from all emergency responders.