The 9/11 Freedom Walk in Sugar Grove on Patriots Day was intended to keep the memory of that day alive.

“We need to gather and spend a few minutes,” AMVETS Post No. 50 Life Member Judy Fry, who organizes the event, said. “Think of all those lives.”

The pain remains for Fry. “I cry every time I see it,” she said. “We just can’t forget with the way the world is today.”

The America Supports You Freedom Walk is intended to be a time of reflection and Freedom Walks have been held since the first anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

“It’s a good way to bring a group together,” Fry said. “Everybody can do it.”

With members of the AMVETS Color Guard and Boy Scout Troop 17 leading the way, the Walk started at the town park, proceeded across Main Street where traffic was held briefly, a few blocks to school street, then circled back.

It was not a challenging path nor a long one. There were marchers young and old, dogs, wheelchairs, and strollers in the small parade.

Young participants received balloons. At past events, those balloons would have been launched at the beginning of the walk. This year, the children got to take them home.

“We have to remember,” Fry said.

The annual Memorial Service at Warren County Memorial Park was not held this year due to COVID-19.

The field of flags there will remain standing through the end of the month in memory of those who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001, attacks.