foxyrider
08-21-2009, 10:23 AM
Nine-mile march to honor fallen soldiers
The annual “Fallen Soldiers March,” honoring Tennessee soldiers who have died in the war on terror, will take place Friday, Aug. 21, in Lebanon, marking the fifth consecutive year the march has been held.
The event was first organized by Tennessee National Guard Sgt. 1st
Class Jim Williams in 2005, a year after he returned from deployment to
Iraq. The nine-mile march, held each year during some of the roughest
August heat, represents the first nine Tennessee Guardsmen who died in
support of the war on terror.
Williams explained, however, that it is ultimately in honor of all who
have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. “I feel very
strongly about it,” he said, “and it has grown every year to now
include soldiers, retirees and civilians who want to show their respect
for those who gave their all.”
The marchers will meet at the Lebanon Armory, 1010 Leeville Pike, where
a safety briefing will be held at 3:30 p.m., with the nine-mile trek
starting promptly at 4:30. The march will conclude at the Wilson County
Fairgrounds.
“Previously we’ve had anywhere from 30 to 200 soldiers, retirees
and civilians participating,” said Williams, now 1st Sergeant for the
Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters in Nashville. “I’ve pledged this
year that if 200 people make the walk, I’ll march on Veterans Day from
Lebanon to the Legislative Plaza in Nashville with a 45-pound
rucksack.” That’s approximately 28 miles.
For the first time, donations from marchers and their supporters are
being accepted this year for the National Guard Enlisted Association
Auxiliary Relief Fund.
The annual “Fallen Soldiers March,” honoring Tennessee soldiers who have died in the war on terror, will take place Friday, Aug. 21, in Lebanon, marking the fifth consecutive year the march has been held.
The event was first organized by Tennessee National Guard Sgt. 1st
Class Jim Williams in 2005, a year after he returned from deployment to
Iraq. The nine-mile march, held each year during some of the roughest
August heat, represents the first nine Tennessee Guardsmen who died in
support of the war on terror.
Williams explained, however, that it is ultimately in honor of all who
have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. “I feel very
strongly about it,” he said, “and it has grown every year to now
include soldiers, retirees and civilians who want to show their respect
for those who gave their all.”
The marchers will meet at the Lebanon Armory, 1010 Leeville Pike, where
a safety briefing will be held at 3:30 p.m., with the nine-mile trek
starting promptly at 4:30. The march will conclude at the Wilson County
Fairgrounds.
“Previously we’ve had anywhere from 30 to 200 soldiers, retirees
and civilians participating,” said Williams, now 1st Sergeant for the
Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters in Nashville. “I’ve pledged this
year that if 200 people make the walk, I’ll march on Veterans Day from
Lebanon to the Legislative Plaza in Nashville with a 45-pound
rucksack.” That’s approximately 28 miles.
For the first time, donations from marchers and their supporters are
being accepted this year for the National Guard Enlisted Association
Auxiliary Relief Fund.