Through song, speech and patriotic strides, Killeen ISD on Wednesday commemorated the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with its 18th annual Freedom Walk.
The tribute, held in remembrance of the 2,977 lives lost and to honor their memory, brought together KISD board members and administrators, elected officials, U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division members from Fort Cavazos, first responders from Fort Cavazos, Killeen, Harker Heights and Nolanville, military veterans, students and community members.
“As we gather in solidarity, we honor the memory of those we lost on September 11, 2001, and pay tribute to the extraordinary bravery of the first responders, service members and the everyday heroes who rose to the challenge on that fateful day,” Col. Lakicia Stokes, U.S. Army garrison commander, Fort Cavazos, said.
The ceremony began inside Killeen High’s auditorium as KHS student and emcee Anthony Lonebear-Gordon welcomed the audience and invited the Harker Heights Police Department Color Guard to post the colors.
The Chaparral High School Chorale Silver Lynx followed with the national anthem. The Chorale also performed “America the Beautiful" and “God Bless America.”
Lonebar-Gordon, whose mom, Darnice and dad Jayceson are combat veterans, said he was honored to be asked to participate in the Freedom Walk.
“It was just a great opportunity,” said Lonebear-Gordon, who is the KHS color guard colonel. “I think it’s about paying respect and honoring those who passed. It’s an important day for everybody. My mom always talks about the significance of that day and how everything changed.”
Killeen ISD Superintendent Jo Ann Fey spoke about the collective impact that 9/11 had on everyone from military members to first responders and their families, and encouraged school and community leaders to continue to be proactive in passing down the importance of recognizing one of the most significant moments in United States’ history.
“For our students in attendance today, you were not born during that time, but we do this today so that we can be role models as adults. That’s our mission at KISD,” Fey said. “So, today, let us say that we in Killeen ISD, we in the City of Killeen and Harker Heights and Nolanville, and in Bell County, will lead the way in being the model for how we will never, ever forget.”
Among other special guests were Gold Star family members, and after a video presentation, keynote speaker and Gold Star spouse Cindy Hildner was introduced by KHS student Devi Ramsumare.
“It is vital to not only honor those who died on 9/11, on this 23rd anniversary, but also remember the families who lost loved ones that day,” said Hildner, whose late husband Brig. Gen. Terry Hildner died while serving Feb. 3, 2012, just a few months shy of their sons’ graduation from Killeen High.
“To remember and honor our dead is patriotic and deeply appreciated,” Hildner added. “It is the same for this day, 9/11. To step back and reflect on a day like today reminds us how vulnerable we are and how important it is to remain vigilant.”
After the indoor portion of the ceremony, everyone –– walking to the beat kept by the KHS drumline –– made their way in a long, flag-laden procession that also included the KHS JROTC to Leo Buckley Stadium.
There, the event concluded with KISD Community Relations Director Angenet Wilkerson reciting the names of fallen heroes represented by the Gold Star families, the traditional bell tolls signifying a firefighter’s “return home” and a playing of Taps by Killeen High senior Michael Martinez.
“It truly changed everybody’s lives. We instantly went from peacetime to wartime,” Darnice Lonebear said, her son Anthony at arm’s length on the track. “Everyone has a story and can remember exactly where they were and what they were doing,”
Jose Soto’s story began on his day off.
Soto, assigned to the New York Police Department’s 52nd precinct, was off-duty when the sun rose on Sept. 11, 2001.
Not long after 8:46 a.m. eastern time, though, Soto had work to do.
Everything changed in an instant as the events of 9/11 unfolded. Soto, who served 23 years with the NYPD and is a retired U.S. Army veteran, describes that day as an open wound. “We still carry that with us,” he said.
On Wednesday, the Killeen resident with grandchildren who are of elementary age and enrolled in Killeen ISD, gathered with hundreds more to add another layer of healing.
For more photos of Killeen ISD's 18th annual Freedom Walk visit: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBH8Fd
