Motorcycles, runners, children, Native American dancers and a parade are part of an event at Lake Waccamaw to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.
The Freedom isn’t Free event will be held at Elizabeth Brinkley Park at Lake Waccamaw. The event is sponsored by the Veterans Memorial Park of America, but is intended to bring the county together to remember the sacrifices of those who died on Sept. 11, 2001 and in the War on Terror, said Angela Norris of the Park.
All proceeds from the event and t-shirts sales will go toward the construction and installation of the 9/11 Memorial in the Never Forget Garden at the Veterans Memorial Park of America. Students from the Columbus College and Career Academy masonry department will help in the memorial’s construction.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. for the 5K and motorcycle run, and a flag raising will promptly follow at 8:50 a.m. Pamela Jacobs and other Native American dancers will demonstrate traditional dancing, and the Lakeside Ruckers and Crossfit of Lake Waccamaw will host a workout.
A parade will take place at 1 p.m., and entry is free for any veterans or first responders that would like to participate.
Musicians are set to take the stage at 2 p.m. and the lineup includes Randy Hawse and True South, Peter Yurgel, and Dawn Hayes of Jubilee.
The closing day ceremony begins at 6 p.m. and will include guest speakers, prayers, and music. Luminaries will be lit at 7 p.m.
Among the corporate sponsors of the event are Advance Auto Parts, Attorney Walter Palmer, Angelina’s Pizza and Subs, Village Prescription, Hill’s Supermarket, B&Y Peanuts, Vann Underwood Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Slugger’s Deli, McKenzie Mortuary, Mark and Annamaria Cartret, Merritt’s Sporting Goods, Crossroads Pharmacy, Quality Cleaners, and Ivy’s Cafe.
For more information about the Freedom Isn’t Free observance, to sign up as a vendor or entertainer, or become a sponsor, call Angela Norris at 910.840.3848.
