Salt Lake City, Utah - Thousands of Utah residents will join Americans across the country in commemorating the fifth anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11 in Freedom Walks across America.

The walks, sponsored by local individuals in support of the Department of Defense’s America Supports You program, honors those who lost their lives on 9/11, as well as pays tribute to the nation’s military veterans - past and present. This year’s walk, which officials hope will become an annual tradition, is an outgrowth of last year’s Freedom Walk in Washington D.C. The D.C. Freedom Walk drew more than 15,000 walkers, including family members of the 9/11 victims, members of Congress, administration officials, federal and corporate workers and civic organizations. Every year since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the Department of Defense has organized a commemoration event.

In Salt Lake City, those marching will be gathering in front of the SLC Mayor’s office (400 South State Street) at 11:30 a.m. The march will first embark south, down State Street up until 900 South, whereat the march will walk eastwardly until Liberty Park (500 East). Those interested are encouraged to wear red, white and blue patriotic clothing, as well as attend a commemoration ceremony at Liberty Park. The commemoration event will include speakers affected by 9/11 from all different backgrounds and state dignitaries. The program will also include the presence of the Utah National Guard, a flag ceremony conducted by an Honor Guard, a 21 gun salute, and a military aircraft fly-over.

America Supports You is an ongoing nationwide program launched by the Department of Defense to recognize citizens’ support for our military men and women and to communicate that support to members of our armed forces and their families at home and abroad. Since its inception in November 2004, the program has welcomed more than 225 grassroots organizations and 25 corporations to its team. Many America Supports You team members support the troops through letter writing, assembling care packages, helping the wounded when they return home, assisting military families or sending an e-mail or kind gesture.

Local organizers Conan Heimdal and Paul Holton do not want the event to be a political rally. “This event is to support our troops who are protecting our freedoms at great risk to their own lives and the comfort of their loved ones,” says Chief Warrant Officer Holton. “A soldier’s sacrifice protects all of our differing politics and our right to express them,” added Heimdal.

Families of soldiers currently serving in any branch of the military are especially welcome. Other activities scheduled for the event include patriotic music and entertainment.