Runners, walkers pay tribute to veterans, first responders -- both military, civilian

Some boots stood next to a fence in the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium’s parking lot. Others lined the stage. Both sets were reminders of those absent from the day’s festivities because of their sacrifice.

Many Heroes Run participants wore T-shirts emblazoned with the mantra, “ If not me, then who …”

One speaker talked about his experience at the Pentagon during 9/11. “I saw the best and the worst of humanity that day,” he said. Others reminisced about Travis Manion, the young officer whose death inspired his friends and family to organize the Heroes Run to honor and support the work of first responders.

First responders -- especially the military, police and firefighters -- were recognized as heroes who “run into the fight.”

Heroes Runs occur all over the United States and around the world. The largest Heroes Run is usually in Houston, but this year it was postponed because of the flooding. The run has been rescheduled to Veterans Day “to signify the reopening of the City.” Some runners in Annapolis carried the Texas flag in tribute to the first responders there.

The Travis Manion Foundation website says, “NEVER FORGET. The 9/11 Heroes Run unites communities internationally with the goal to never forget the sacrifices of the heroes of September 11th and the wars since: veteran, first responder, civilian and military.”