Over 10,000 soldiers, families, Army civilians, first responders and community members filled the streets of Fort Stewart today for a 9/11 Remembrance Run marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The event, organized by the Fort Stewart Directorate of Emergency Services, drew runners, walkers, cyclists, strollers and even family pets by offering 1K, 3K and 5K routes. The run turned the installation into a powerful reminder of the unity Americans showed in the days and months after the attacks.
Mutual-aid crews from surrounding municipalities joined the 3rd Infantry Division, including engine companies and first responders from Hinesville, Walthourville, Liberty County and Long County fire and police departments.
This year’s 25th anniversary marks a milestone that now surpasses the age of many Soldiers currently serving.
“It’s important today that we come together to teach the next generation the significance of the day,” said Lt. Col. Meghan Starr, commander of the 385th Military Police Battalion and Director of Emergency Services. “Today, I remember our emergency responders and how important it is to honor and respect them every single day.”
Unlike routine morning physical training, participation in the run was voluntary, reflecting the community’s commitment to remembering those who lost their lives and the aftermath.
“We cannot forget what happened to America because of September 11, 2001,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Durgin, senior enlisted advisor of the 3rd Infantry Division. “To see the amount of voluntary support we have from our Soldiers and civilian personnel who stand with what freedom rings is amazing to me.”
Retired Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen served as the event’s distinguished guest and keynote speaker. Caslen, a former Dogface Soldier who served in the Army for 43 years, was working inside the Pentagon on 9/11, when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the building near his office. Disregarding evacuation protocol, he and two others re-entered the building to search for survivors. He later helped establish a makeshift command center to restore critical communications to the Pentagon’s leadership.
“When I finally got to my truck that night there was an airplane wheel lying next to it,” Caslen said. “Seeing the damage made, I knew our lives were going to change dramatically. Not just for those of us in the military, but for the families and friends who lost loved ones through the sacrifice of what took place that day.”
Serving multiple tours as a commander in Iraq and Afghanistan, Caslen noted the bravery of our Nation’s men and women immediately following the terror attacks and the importance of staying committed to the strong values American’s held during that time.
“Every time 9/11 rolls around it gives me the opportunity to recommit myself to the values of our nation,” Caslen said. “The values of duty, honor, country, and service, and the values of the 9/11 generation— the young men and women who saw their country attacked and decided to do something about it. Many joined the military then, knowing fully well that once they joined, they would go to war. Yet they went. They volunteered again and again, and I had the privilege of leading many of them in Iraq and Afghanistan."
At the finish line, participants rang a ceremonial bell and had the opportunity to touch a piece of steel recovered from the World Trade Center, closing the event with a tangible reminder of the lives lost and those who continue to serve in support of America’s freedom.
“Twenty-five years ago, freedom was redefined,” Durgin said. “This run is what 9/11 means. This is what freedom means. This is how strong the resolve of the American people is to never forget.”
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