ABERDEEN, Md. (Sept. 12, 2014) -- On a warm, windy and overcast morning at Aberdeen's Festival Park, Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Agueda shared his sense of pride in service to America.
"As part of the community, I look back and reflect on what happened on 9/11. We have many people here who have served in different uniforms. We are proud of our country and serve in any capacity that we can," said Agueda, who stood with three fellow Soldiers, a Marine, two police officers and a firefighter during the ninth annual St. Joan of Arc School Freedom Walk ceremony.
The U.S. Army joined the Aberdeen community Sept. 11 to reflect on freedom and patriotism on the 13th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
Boy Scout Troop 810/965 began the program with the posting of the colors and Pledge of Allegiance. St. Joan of Arc School students performed the national anthem and patriotic favorites such as "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America."
Principal Virginia Bahr asked the audience of about 100 students, teachers, parents and community members to remember those who have sacrificed to ensure America's freedom.
"This freedom walk celebrates the privileges that we have as American citizens and those who protect those freedoms every day," Bahr said. "Our goal today is to show respect to those who protect our freedoms, to take responsibility for acknowledging the men and women who commit to these tasks and to demonstrate leadership in calling public attention to the precious gift of our freedom."
Agueda discussed the importance of standing together as a community and a nation during difficult times. He has served in the Army since 1988 and completed three combat tours in Iraq.
"Today, even after so many years, gestures like this and the memorial behind us show not only to our community but everybody else in the world, generation after generation, we help each other out.
"I want you kids to know you can display that same patriotism and honor every day of your life," said Agueda, who is the G3 sergeant major for the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command at APG. "During 9/11, our entire nation came together. We were reminded that even though we were all from different places and backgrounds, we are one nation that stands together."
Millad Sajjad closed the ceremony with the playing of "Taps" as the crowd gathered around Aberdeen's 9/11 memorial. The memorial was completed June 28 and features a small piece of steel from the World Trade Center.
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