By Stephanie Prokop, Staff Writer
Two events are scheduled in the Northern Burlington County area today to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
North Hanover School District will remember those who were affected by the attacks as part of the nationwide “America Supports You Freedom Walk” this morning.
The walk, scheduled at 9 a.m., was slated to start at the Columbia School and the Upper Elementary School.
It will consist of a half-mile length and winds through the school campuses.
Students were expected to bring their families, and staff members and community members will march along with school and local officials.
“The purpose of the walk is to establish a national tradition to reflect on the lives lost on Sept. 11, to renew our commitment to freedom and the values of our country and to honor our veterans, past and present,” said North Hanover Superintendent Richard Carson.
“It’s a recognition of all of the military servicemen in our country past and present,“ he said.
With the district’s close proximity to McGuire Air Force Base, Dr. Carson said he felt the walk is a thank you gesture to honor the servicemen and women.
He said teachers are doing their best to explain to younger students why they are having a tribute walk.
Some of these students weren’t born until 2002 or 2003, he said.
He added that the students will be dressed in red, white, and blue, and will hold American flags as they walk around the school’s property.
The walk is in its third year, with the first being held in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 11, 2005. The event brought together over 15,000 walkers, including family members of the victims of the terrorist attacks that occurred at the Pentagon, the World Trade Center in N.Y., and in Shanksville, Pa.
Nearby at Fort Dix, the base will host the multi-platinum country music group, Lonestar, which will pay tribute to the victims of Sept. 11 by playing a free outdoor show tonight (Thursday) at Doughboy Field.
The Remembrance and Celebration of Life Concert is open to the public, and gates open at 5 p.m. The show starts at 7 p.m. Comedian Dustin Chafin will also be performing.
On a statement on the Fort Dix Web site, band member Dean Sams said, “Playing the Army Base in Fort Dix, for so many men and women that continue to serve our country is going to be an honor. On a day that marks tragedy in our country, we hope to celebrate life through our music and remember those lost during the attacks on 9/11 and those who have been on the front lines ever since to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
Those wishing to attend must have valid photo identification, and may enter through any checkpoint after 5 p.m.
Pets and coolers are not permitted.
The concert is being produced by the Fort Dix Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR). For more information call FMWR at 609-562-5881.

