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100 memorialize 9/11 victims in Freedom Walk
By SEAN BARRON
LAKE MILTON
Colton Lockner was only 4 when he saw repeated images on TV of planes striking and bringing down the World Trade Center towers Sept. 11, 2001.
Nine years later, he has no plans to forget the significance of that day — and he’s out to make sure others remember, too.
“I hope to see more people remember the men and women, past and present,” said Colton, 13, referring to military personnel and those killed in the terrorist attacks.
That was a main reason he organized Saturday’s “America Supports You Freedom Walk,” the fifth annual event he’s put together, to remember and honor those who lost their lives in the attacks, as well as the service of veterans. The first two walks were in Sebring.
More than 100 people, many of whom hadn’t been born before 9/11, participated in the walk, which took them from Lake Shore Plaza on Mahoning Avenue to American Legion Post 737 on Milton Avenue.
Among the walkers were members of the Jackson Milton Middle School/High School cheerleading squads, for whom this was the first such event. The girls were excited when informed they would get to participate, said Rochelle Morelli, a teacher at the high school and their coach.
Both squads performed during a solemn program at Post 737, which featured a series of speakers asking attendees to remember the lives lost that day as well as those who stood up to assist others.
Scott Warner of Canton spoke on how he lost his 19-year-old son, Heath, who was killed Nov. 22. 2006, after running over an explosive device in Iraq. The tragedy took place a little more than two months after the younger Warner had left for that country, his father recalled.
After 9/11, Heath Warner, like thousands of high school students, wanted to enlist in the military to serve the country, his father said. Heath Warner joined the Marines shortly after high school in 2005, and graduated from boot camp later that year, he continued.
To find solace after the loss, Warner said, he visited ground zero and Ellis Island in New York City and talked about the contrast he found between the tragic events in Lower Manhattan and the peace he felt on Ellis Island, where his grandparents had passed through. He also used the experience as a metaphor for how people can view the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001.
“On 9/11, we can choose to remember the darkness or death and all of the horrific things that happened on 9/11, but I’m asking you to remember life,” Warner said.
The Rev. Berry Carter, pastor of City Bible Church in Massillon, urged his audience to remember government leaders, safety-force members, soldiers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, the passengers and crew of United Flight 93 and ordinary people who stepped up and helped others during and after the attacks.
Flight 93 crashed near Shanksville, Pa., after those aboard fought against the four hijackers.
Remarks also were made by Milton Township Trustee Dave Tomaino and Rick Mirenzi, who’s with the Veterans Connection of Canton.
“Colton is a good example for young kids,” Mirenzi said. “He’s been an inspiration to us.”