Pentagon Freedom Walk
Thousands of Americans converged on National Mall for the annual 'America Supports You Freedom Walk' to honor the victims of Sept. 11, 2001, and America's servicemembers, as well as to celebrate freedom. "It's important for us as a nation, because we stand as one against forces that would take away all the things that are important in our lives," said the Pentagon Chaplain, Army Col. William, Brooke, who read the 23rd Psalm and led a moment of silence and prayer before the walk began. Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. Peter Pace's Pace and Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England led the Freedom Walk participants past the Jefferson Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial before skirting Arlington National Cemetery, washed in the pink light of sunset. As the procession moved toward the Pentagon, gasps arose from the crowd when they caught their first glimpses of a huge, lighted American flag hanging from the side of the building -- reminiscent of the flag hung hours after the Sept. 11 attack. "On 9-11, the president said Never Forget. America will never forget that day -- what happened, those lost or all the heroes who have given so much to protect and defend this great country."
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Thousands of people gather at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to participate in the second annual America Supports You Freedom Walk, Sept. 10, 2006. The walk began at the National Mall and ended with a light display at the Pentagon.
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The walk was one of more than 120 being held across the country to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and to honor veterans, past and present.
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Members of the joint color guard lead the Washington, D.C., Freedom Walk accross Memorial Bridge in Washington, D.C., Sept. 10, 2006.
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Volunteers lay out ice cold water for the thirsty "Freedom Walkers." The support and compassion of these people make the healing process a little easier for the families and friends of the victims of 9/11.
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Steel-reinforced columns designed to support the Pentagon when it was built in 1941 saved thousands of people who would otherwise have died when terrorists attacked it with a hijacked airliner on Sept. 11, 2001
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As the procession moved toward the Pentagon, gasps arose from the crowd when they caught their first glimpses of a huge, lighted American flag hanging from the side of the building -- reminiscent of the flag hung hours after the Sept. 11 attack.
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A brigade of "Freedom Walkers" arrive at the Pentagon reservation. Observers really could feel the strength in the number of people that participated in the walk.
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Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England and his wife take time to walk with 40,000 other marchers in Support of our troops who are protecting our freedom. *
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As night approaches an army of blue glow sticks and white shirts march into the Pentagon reservation.
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About 400 family members of the victims, including those working at the Pentagon, participated in the walk.
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Marchers enter the South parking lot of the Pentagon complex.
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"Freedom Walkers" are greeted by event volunteers and given a program schedule.
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This family of "Freedom Walkers" are happy they completed a two mile journey from the Washington Monument to the Pentagon Reservation.
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This disabled veteran was one of the many volunteers that greeted the "Freedom Walkers."
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Members of our armed forces take the time talk and share stories with the "Freedom Walkers."
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