Hampton to Commemorate 9/11

September 1, 2006

Hampton Roads residents will have a chance to participate in two commemorative events in Hampton on September 11, 2006 - the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The commemorations will begin with the fifth annual Day of Remembrance and Hope at Gosnold's Hope Park, 901 East Little Back River Road, at 8:00 a.m. The event will be in the vicinity of the Trees of Hope, each which has been previously planted in Hampton with soil from the World Trade Center site.

"This event will give citizens the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices and losses that occur in a free nation while also offering hope for the future," said Councilwoman Angela Leary, who has traditionally helped organize the annual event.

The names of those lost in the 9/11 attacks will be read aloud as well as all of those who have given their lives to preserve freedom since 9/11. Hampton fire and police will read the names of those fire and police lost in the line of duty during 9/11.

Additionally, selected local families who have lost loved ones in our nation's past wars -- World Wars I and II as well as the Spanish-American War, Korea and Vietnam -- will also be recognized. A color guard will render honors and both Taps and a military salute will be offered in honor of our fallen.

Members of the USS Hampton will be present at the event, along with musicians from Fort Monroe and Langley Air Force Base. Each branch of the United States service will have a presence at the event, and a special presentation will be made in honor of firefighters and police.

Those who desire to volunteer to assist in reading the names of both 9/11 victims and all those American service members who have died supporting operations in conjunction with the War on Terror are encouraged to contact Councilwomen Angela Leary directly at aleary@hampton.gov.

In cooperation with the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Hampton is also hosting a Freedom Walk on September 11 at 6:00 p.m. starting in the Coliseum Mall parking lot near Outback Steakhouse.

Freedom Walks are taking place across the Hampton Roads region and the country in response to the America Supports You program launched by the Department of Defense in support of those defending freedom in the United States Armed Forces.

The event is free to participants and all are encouraged to participate in the 1.8 mile walk. The first 500 participants will receive T-shirts and the first 1,000 participants will receive an American flag.

A band starts playing at 5:30 pm, and WTKR evening anchor Pat McReynolds will have a live on-site broadcast at that time.

"We are pleased to host the America Supports You Freedom Walk in the City of Hampton," said Mayor Ross A Kearney, II. "The support of American people builds and sustains the morale of those who protect and defend our freedom. It also communicates America's appreciation of their courage and commitment to our country."