About 1,700 students converged on a Fort Leavenworth football field Thursday morning. But they weren’t there for a sporting event.
Students from the post’s four public schools walked to Normandy Field as part of the school district’s first Freedom Walk.
“Today we walk to remember,” said Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV.
Caldwell, commander of the Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth, said people were participating in Freedom Walk events across the country to remember what happened seven years ago.
Thursday was the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Superintendent Deborah Baeuchle said the event also celebrated people who maintain Americans’ freedom.
She said this is not limited to members of the military and includes law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and volunteers.
“So it’s more of a celebration,” she said of Thursday’s event.
She said school officials learned about the Freedom Walk initiative through the Military Impacted Schools Association.
According to information posted on the America Supports You Web site, which is operated by the Department of Defense, the Freedom Walk tradition began in 2005 by Pentagon employees who organized a walk to the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Keith Mispagel, deputy superintendent of Fort Leavenworth schools, estimated that Thursday’s crowd, which included students, district staff and parents, was about 2,300 people.
“This is such an awesome day,” Baeuchle said to the students. “We’re having so much fun.”
During the program at the football field, students sang the national anthem as well as “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “American Tears.”
Brig. Gen. Robert R. Abrams, deputy commander of the Combined Arms Center — Training, led students in the pledge of allegiance.
During his remarks, Caldwell applauded the fort children because much is asked of them. He said the real heroes are the sons and daughters of those who serve.
Baeuchle said school officials will evaluate Thursday’s Freedom Walk and determine whether they want to organize similar events in future years.
