December 2, 2008
Annual city 5K honors victims of 9/11 attacks
"Runners ... ready!" the announcer said this morning outside City Hall.
And with the blare of an air horn, about 1,000 runners kicked off the St. Joseph Medical Center Run to Remember in downtown Baltimore -- an annual event dedicated to honoring the firefighters and police officers who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks seven years ago.
Top city officials spoke at the race moments before it began, including the mayor, the police commissioner, the fire chief, the city state's attorney and the City Council president.
"Let us each day that we see our first responders, stop a moment to say 'thank you' for their putting their lives on the line every day for us," said Mayor Sheila Dixon, who ran in the race. "And let us never forget what happened as we move forward. Let us continue to teach our children the importance of what a life means, and let us never forget."
Ed Caywood, 36, said he was running the race for the second time since he's lived in Baltimore, to honor his father and the people who lost their lives in the attacks.
"I know a lot of people think that 9/11 is a time to be proud of America and be somber and reflect," said Caywood, whose father was a firefighter who died in the line of duty 18 years ago. "But for me, I'm just embarrassed that it happened to us."
The 5K race proceeded east on Fayette Street, south on President Street, and around the Inner Harbor. The finish line was at Federal Hill Park. Streets along the route were temporarily closed but have started to open this morning. Fayette Street near City Hall is open.
City officials said that proceeds from the race go toward funding needs of the city's public safety agencies.
The 5K race proceeded east on Fayette Street, south on President Street, and around the Inner Harbor. The finish line was at Federal Hill park. Some streets along the route were temporarily closed.
City officials said that proceeds raised from the race go toward funding needs of the city's public safety agencies.
In a friendly rivalry, Dixon, City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and city State's Attorney Patricia C. Jessamy had challenged one another's offices to participate. Rawlings-Blake claimed victory this morning, saying the percentage of participants from her office far exceeded the others' rate.
Other area events
• Howard County officials will hold a brief ceremony at Centennial Park at 2 p.m. today to remember victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The event will be held at the Garden of Hope stone monument in the park, near the main entrance at Route 108.
• Women in Black and other groups invite community members to form a "peace path" from the Inner Harbor to the Baltimore Beltway from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. today. Participants are encouraged to hold signs of peace.
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