CORAL GABLES, Fla. — A group of more than 150 people completed a 9.11-mile memorial ruck Saturday morning in Coral Gables, honoring the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.
The event, led by University of Miami ROTC students and open to the community, began at sunrise and wrapped up about an hour before noon.
Participants carried 35-pound rucksacks as they made their way down Ponce de Leon Boulevard toward Regatta Grove Park before looping back to campus.
“It’s not just a typical 35-pound walk,” said Jasmine Yalowitz, one of the ROTC cadets. “This is for a purpose. It’s to remember 9/11.”
Along the route, the meaning behind the miles was clear. “The pain and suffering,” said participant Glen Perez, reflecting on those who lost their lives.
ROTC member Ricardo Cisneros, who is also an assistant professor at UM, said, “Paying tribute to the service members, carrying the weight,” was what pushed him through. He added, “People say never forget. But as time passes we have to keep on remembering why we do what we do.”
Perez, who comes from a first responder family, carried the weight differently — by walking the full distance in a firefighter’s uniform.
“I came home, they didn’t. You just close your eyes and picture them. That’s what motivates you to keep going,” Perez said. Firefighters greeted him at the finish line.
For others, the day held personal ties. “I actually grew up in New Jersey about 10 minutes outside of the city. My parents were in New York on 9/11,” Yalowitz said.
Austin, another participant, admitted the challenge wasn’t easy but worth it. “I usually don’t like rucking but this is like the only one I enjoy.”
As the final steps were taken, the large group held a moment of silence. “The meaning is the motivation,” one marcher said near the end.
Organizers said the annual event has grown each year since it began six years ago. For some participants it was a first-time experience, while others have returned year after year.
“It really was a special ending,” one organizer said, noting the looks of accomplishment on the faces of those who crossed the finish line.
With the anniversary of 9/11 coming up Thursday, the ROTC program said more events are planned to mark the day of remembrance.
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