Unity in Remembrance at 9/11 Mile Walk | Tampa News

Twenty-five years after 9/11, the annual Memorial Mile Walk in Lutz, Florida, brought together veterans, first responders, and community members to honor those lost—and celebrate the unity that emerged from tragedy. Retired Army Lt. Col. Max Bowers, who led the first U.S. troops into Afghanistan just weeks after the attacks, shared a gripping story of riding horses into war with national grief on his shoulders. He emphasized how Americans stood united across divides, and paid tribute to Sgt. Ryan Jackson—a Pasco County Sheriff’s Office officer shot in the line of duty this year—who ran the mile alongside his K-9 partner, Blake, who shielded him from harm. Jackson drew a powerful parallel to the biblical shepherd, embodying sacrifice for his community. The event was a moving testament to resilience, reminding us to keep honoring the past while cherishing the enduring spirit of American solidarity. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/82f918e6142969c3