WADDINGTON – The community gathered together to remember fallen heroes and victims of the Sept. 11 attacks at Waddington’s Freedom Walk Tuesday.

The Champion-Hopkink American Legion Post No. 420 has led the walk every year since the attacks.

“For a while, we were the only ones in the area that held any kind of services,” said Legion Commander Michael S. McIntosh. “The first year we had about three people from the Legion. As you can see, we’ve grown.”

Fire departments and rescue squads from Waddington, Madrid and Louisville were represented at the memorial which began at Island View Park and ended at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where a memorial service was held in honor of the victims.

“This is the first year all five churches were represented this year— St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Scott’s Presbyterian Church and Presbyterian Church,” said volunteer E. Jane Layo.

County American Legion Commander John R. McCullough and District Commander Paul Mitras were also present.

“I was in Staten Island that day,” said Mr. Mitras. “We saw the smoke, and my wife saw the plane hit the second tower. It’s something I won’t forget.”

Mr. McIntosh said the main reason for continuing to hold the walk is to tell children what the day was about.

“Nobody bothers to remember—they forget,” said Mr. McIntosh. “I am afraid that children will not know what this day is about. Not since Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese on Dec. 7, 1941 has the U.S. been subjected to such a level of violence and destruction as occurred on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. We here in Waddington will never forget all the wars that our young men and women have been called to serve.”

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