Hampton to Commemorate 9/11

September 5, 2007

Hampton Roads residents will have a chance to participate in two commemorative events in Hampton in honor of the sixth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

The commemorations will begin with the sixth annual Day of Remembrance and Hope at Gosnold's Hope Park, 901 East Little Back River Road, at 8:30 a.m on September 11. The event will be in the vicinity of the Trees of Hope, each of which were planted in Hampton with co-mingled soils from the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the Pennsylvania crash site of United Flight 93.

"This event will give citizens the opportunity to remember those we lost and to honor the sacrifices that have been made defending our great nation," 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 fire and police lost in the line of duty during 9/11.

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 Vinson will be present at the event, along with musicians from Fort Monroe and Langley Air Force Base. Each branch of the United States Armed Forces 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 those American service members who have died supporting operations in conjunction with the War on Terror are encouraged to contact Councilwomen Angela Leary at aleary@hampton.gov.

Freedom Walk

Hampton is also hosting a Freedom Walk on September 12 at 6:00 p.m. starting in the Peninsula Town Center parking lot near Macy's. The walk will provide citizens the opportunity to show support for our military and public safety members and to honor the victims of September 11. Activities begin at 5:30 p.m. with opening remarks from Billy Hobbs, president of the Coliseum Central Business Improvement District, and singing of the National Anthem.

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 .6 mile walk. Participants will receive free tshirts, American flags, wristbands, and water.

For more information on the Freedom Walk, citizens can call 826-6357 or visit www.hamptonroadsfreedomwalk.org.