Community Corner
Remember Sept. 11 at Freedom River Walk Saturday
The event is held to remember the victims and first-responders of Sept. 11.
Families and friends can remember the tenth anniversary of Sept. 11 Saturday morning at .
The South County Chamber of Commerce and VA Medical Center is hosting the third annual Freedom River Walk. The event is free and open to everyone.
“We really want people to come bring their families and reflect and honor the servicemen and first responders,” said Marcena Gunter, with the VA Medical Center.
Find out what's happening in Mehlville-Oakvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The walk will begin at 9 a.m. at the south trail head in the park near the National Guard entrance at Hancock Road. Walkers can choose from a 1.1 or 2.6-mile route around the park.
At 10 a.m., a ceremony will be held to honor the first-responders of 9/11 and those who served in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Find out what's happening in Mehlville-Oakvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
St. Louis radio personality David Craig will serve as the Master of Ceremonies and Iraqi war veteran Jeremy Church will be the Grand Marshall.
"Church was awarded the Silver Star medal for heroism in Iraq when his convoy was attacked in 2004," Craig said in a release. "He was the first Army Reserve soldier to earn the Silver Star since the Vietnam War."
“It’s a somber remembrance, but also a celebration that we’re still here and thriving,” Craig said.
In addition to the walk, the VA Medical Center is holding a Welcome Home Veterans event, where veterans can sign up for VA services such as medical care. Registration starts at 8 a.m.
More than 500 people came out for the event last year, and officials are projecting 1,000 with the added veteran benefit registration.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.