TAMIU Walks for Freedom

On Thursday, Sept 9, 2010, Texas A&M International University held the second Freedom Walk, in partnership with Operation Homefront: a nonprofit group that provides emergency financial assistance to the families of our military service members. Registration for the walk took place at 5:45 pm. at which time individuals received complimentary T-shirts.

The opening ceremony began precisely at 6:15pm in the Student Center. The event was held to commemorate the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001 and to honor U.S. military personnel for their continued service to the nation. At first glance into the Student Center, one was taken back at the site of the Freedom Flag. A flag with the names of the American causalities of the terrorist attacks of 9/11. The ceremony was commenced by Daniel Lathey, Associate Athletics Director and coordinator of

the event. He introduced the TAMIU ROTC who began with the opening flag presentation, followed by the National Anthem sung by Ashley Montemayor, senior Music Major. A moment of silence in remembrance of those losses was held.

Furthermore keynote speaker, Juan Castillo, Vice President for finance and administration, moved the crowed with a medical responder's account of the tragic events of 9/11. He also shared a piece of music entitled "9/11 Remembered"

as a means of honoring those individuals.

After the ceremony, the TAMIU ROTC led the crowd out of the Student Center and down the campus, proudly walking for freedom. Reactions about the events were as followed. Lathey, stated, "I feel that it is important that TAMIU students realize that the war on terror is an ongoing process and that American military personnel have made a huge sacrifice to ensure our nation's freedom and safety." When asked to comment, Carla Solis, sophomore Finance major, said, "I am surprised and happy that we still care about Freedom and that's what the United States fights for."

For more information about the Freedom Walk contact Associate AD Dan Lathey at 326-2892 or for information on Operation Homefront visit their website at www.operationhomefront.net/texas.

(Mariela Rodriguez may be reached at mariela_rod@dusty.tamiu.edu)