Sea Services Run in Honor of 9/11 Victims and Fallen Heroes

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Lacordrick Wilson, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East

NEW YORK (NNS) -- Marines, Sailors, and Coast Guardsmen led the annual Ground Zero Memorial Run through downtown Manhattan May 29 as part of Fleet Week New York 2012.

The 1.7-mile run honoring of the victims of 9/11 and America's fallen heroes started at the North Cove Marina, and ended at the Ground Zero site.

"To finish Fleet Week off at the World Trade Center memorial site and to pay respect to those who have fallen before us, whether they know it or not, defending our nation, we couldn't be more thankful for that opportunity," said Marine Maj. Rob Sucher, operations officer, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

The Quantico Marine Band also played during the memorial run on the steps of Federal Hall as the Marines, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen ran past.

At the end of the run, Marines gathered around the 9/11 Memorial to place a wreath in honor of the victims of 9/11.

"This gives me a lot of pride being here with the Sailors and Marines," said Marine Science Technician 2nd Class Kevin Kyles. "It's an honor to commemorate the World Trade Center."

Held nearly every year since 1984, Fleet Week New York is the city's celebration of sea services. Fleet Week New York provides as opportunity for the citizens of New York City and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coastguardsmen, as well as see, firsthand, the latest capabilities of today's martime services. More than 6,000 service men and women from the U.S. and coalition nations are participating.

This year, Fleet Week New York is one of the signature events around the country commemorating OpSail 2012, the bicentennial of the War of 1812, and the Star-Spangled Banner. The Commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 is a salute to all Sailors and Marines who fought gallantly in that conflict, who served in all our nation's conflicts since then, and who are defending freedom around the world.