‘Never Forget’ walk planned

By Melinda L. Lucas

Members of the Albany Volunteer Fire Department will host and participate in the second annual “Never Forget” Memorial Walk this Sunday morning, Sept. 11 on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States in 2001.

The event will be held at the Shackelford County Courthouse, beginning at 8:46 a.m., the time that the first hijacked aircraft struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

According to Albany VFD officer Eric Johnson, anyone who would like to walk on Sunday morning is welcome to join the fire department members.

Participants will walk the equivalent of 110 flights of stairs, the number of stories in the Trade Center.

“This walk is open to the community, and everyone can participate in their own way,” said Johnson. “Stop by and say hello.  Drop by and say a prayer. Walk a few steps...or walk them all.”

Among the almost 3,000 who died that day were 343 New York firefighters and paramedics who rushed into the towers to try to save those caught in the inferno. Also killed were 23 NY police officers and 37 officers in the NY Port Authority.

“Participate in your own way,” said Johnson. “We only have one request on this special day...that you never forget the brave men and women who gave it their all.”