Defense Department to Host Second Annual 'America Supports You' Freedom Walk

The Defense Department announced today that it will hold the second annual “America Supports You” ‘Freedom Walk,’ 7:30 p.m., EDT, Sunday, Sept. 10, the night before the five-year anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001.

Monday, Sept. 11, 2006, marks the five-year anniversary of the tragic attacks at the Pentagon, the Twin Towers in New York City, and Shanksville, Pa. Last year, as part of an ongoing effort to commemorate Sept. 11, 2001, the Department of Defense hosted the first “America Supports You” ‘Freedom Walk’ bringing together more than 15,000 walkers including family members of the victims of Sept. 11, members of Congress, administration officials, federal workers, corporate employees, civic organizations and citizens from across the country. All walked to pay tribute to those who lost their lives on Sept. 11 and to honor the brave service of U.S. troops and veterans protecting the nation’s freedom.

This year the “America Supports You” ‘Freedom Walk’ will begin at 7:30 p.m., EDT, Sunday, Sept. 10, and follow a two-mile route from the National Mall in Washington D.C. passing several national memorials, across Memorial Bridge to Arlington National Cemetery and ending at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA. Immediately following the walk, musicial star Denyce Graves will perform for those who completed the Freedom Walk in tribute to the family members.

In addition to the national “America Supports You” ‘Freedom Walk,’ many cities will be hosting their own ‘Freedom Walks.’ Information on those walks can be found at the “America Supports You” Web site - http://www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. The “America Supports You” ‘Freedom Walk’ is free and open to the public. Individuals interested in walking in the Washington, D.C. ‘Freedom Walk’ must register to participate at the “America Supports You” Web site. Registration closes at 10 a.m. EDT on Friday, Sept. 8, 2006.

Persons interested in starting their own ‘Freedom Walk’ can register it on “America Supports You” Web site and download the ‘Freedom Walk’ planning guide for assistance and recommendations. For a complete list of events the Department of Defense will be participating in to mark Sept. 11, check the “America Supports You” Web site for updates.

To arrange an interview with the “America Supports You Freedom Walk” spokesperson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Allison Barber, please contact Navy Cmdr. Gregory Hicks, at (703) 695-0195. “America Supports You” is an ongoing nationwide program launched by DoD to help showcase American’s support for U.S. military men and women and their families and communicate that support to members of American forces at home and abroad. Information on the program is found at http://www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil.