By George Schroeder | Managing Editor, Video by Siegrid Massey | Broadcast Reporter
Saturday, Baylor Air Force and Army ROTC detachments joined forces to host a 5k run in honor and remembrance of those who lost their lives 20 years ago, on September 11,, 2001.
Over 100 participants and volunteers showed up to run and walk around Baylor athletic facilities. Active service members and Baylor veterans were joined by many cadets from both Army and Air Force, and while most were too young or not alive to remember the tragic day of 9/11, Sophomore Air Force Cadet Scott Harton said the event gave a gravity to the situation.
“It makes it real; you know what I mean? It makes it more wholesome,” Harton said. “In what we can do and what we are doing, and our mission, so I guess it kind of brings it full circle and brings it back to what, what has happened, and who’s gone before us, who’s in the present, and who’s going to be the future.”
Those running were preceded in the first lap by four cadets running with the United States, Air Force and Army flags. Before the event began, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Bryant, Baylor University Air Force Detachment 810 Commander, gave opening remarks, followed by a prayer and moment of silence to reflect on how 9/11 changed the nation.
Senior Army Cadet Daniel Bryant said hosting the event along with the Air Force detachment was a great opportunity and an honor to host.
“It meant the world to have a memorial 5k just to remember the sacrifice of those on 9/11, the lives lost, and then, not just the lives lost on 9/11, but everyone else who’s died in service after the uh, during War on Terror,” Bryant said. “It was an honor to host this event.”
Senior Air Force Cadet Andrew Marfori said the 20-year anniversary was an extremely significant date, and wanted to use it as an opportunity to pay homage to the those who lost their lives.
Marfori said recognizing service members doesn’t end on 9/11. Every day, it’s the small acts of kindness that can mean the most.
“Just something simple, just going up to a veteran and telling them thank you for your service,” Marfori said. “I know it makes a lot of people’s day, you know they’ve given, they’ve given their life for this country, you know really just a simple thank you is highly, highly appreciated.
