Freedom Walk

September 11th, 2001 will never be forgotten. It was one of the darkest days in our nation’s history. Honoring the victims of that day and honoring our servicemen is an ongoing commitment. The America Supports You National Freedom Walk is one way to accomplish this goal.

The Freedom Walk is a tradition that began after the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon on September 11th. It serves as a memorial of the lives lost that day and the continuing support of our troops, past and present. It takes place in Washington D.C. every year in September. There are also many local freedom walks taking place all over the United States.

This year, the Freedom Walk will take place on Sept. 9, beginning at 9:00 a.m. near the Lincoln Memorial and will conclude at the Pentagon. The day’s events will be closely monitored by the entire U.S. Park Police’s Washington Force. They are prepared to arrest anyone not pre-registered who joins the walk and refuses to leave. They must uphold such heavy security measures according to the permit held by the organizers. Also, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld is expected to participate in the day’s activities. Even with such tight restrictions and registration, national organizers expect between 3,000 and 10,000 participants.

To get involved with the National Freedom Walk you must register in advance. The deadline to register is Sept. 7th, 2007. This event is free and open to the public. For more information about the America Supports You and the Freedom Walk, please visit their website: http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/freedomwalk/

Kevin Dean

“Building better communication, greater understanding and enhanced services through excellence and innovation.” This is the mission that Kevin Dean follows everyday. Dean is the Public Information Officer for Grand Forks. He handles all the public relations work that goes through the city of Grand Forks. However, he uses his public information knowledge wherever necessary.

One of Kevin’s current public information situations is not even inside the city of Grand Forks. Northwood, a city about 30 miles southwest of Grand Forks was hit by a deadly tornado Sunday, August 26th. An F-4 rated tornado ripped through the city, leaving only destruction in its path. There were many injuries and one fatality. In the morning light, citizens found that the entire town was destroyed. They needed help. This is where Kevin Dean stepped in.

Dean has stepped up as the spokesman for emergency operations in the city of Northwood. "There's virtually nothing . . . that hasn't been damaged,” Dean commented after seeing the destruction for himself. He is in charge of most of the information that goes out to the public and the media. It is a big job, but Kevin Dean is up for the challenge.

Kevin Dean can be contacted through the city of Grand Forks. The Public Information Center is located in the Grand Forks City Hall. The information number is (701) 746-4636.