Thousands gather at Fort Stewart for 9/11 Remembrance Run on 25th anniversary

FORT STEWART, Ga. (WTOC) - Thousands of service members, military families, civilian personnel, and first responders turned out across Fort Stewart on Friday morning to observe the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Hosted by the installation’s Directorate of Emergency Services, the annual Remembrance Run brought the post community together at Cottrell Field to reflect on the tragedy and honor those who answered the call of duty. Members of the WTOC team, including Daybreak anchor Vincent Hill and digital producer Alexis Derickson, also joined the crowd of runners.

“Twenty-five years ago today, September 11th, 2001, our nation experienced a day that changed America forever,” said Steve Bills, civilian director of Emergency Services at Fort Stewart.

Participants tackled 1K, 3K, and 5K courses, with routes open to runners, walkers, cyclists, and families.

Military leaders emphasized how the attacks catalyzed an entire generation to step forward in service to the nation.

“The silver lining in it is that we saw American sons, daughters, and immigrants from across this nation mobilize in defense of this country,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Daarius D. Jackson.

Retired Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen challenged the crowd to carry the memory of that day into their everyday actions.

“We have to live our lives worthy of their sacrifice,” Caslen said. “What is our life like, what is our personal life, what is our public life like? And are we doing this for the sacrifice that these men and women would want to make sure we have the freedoms we enjoy today.”