Liberty County residents hit the streets of Hinesville for their heroes on Friday night at the first annual Hoofin’ It for Our Heroes 5/10K and Family Fun Run, sponsored by the Liberty County United Way.
The event, designed to commemorate Sept. 11, began as more than 25 registered participants embarked on a one-and-a-half-mile trek from Bradwell Park — a warm up to Saturday’s 5/10K family fun run.
Sgt. Adam Jordan, 27, ran the warm-up race with his wife and two children.
“I wanted to remember 9/11 and teach my kids to be patriotic and to remember that freedom is not free. You have to work for it,” he said.
As Jordan ran across the finish line with his daughter Kaelyn, 3, others in attendance enjoyed a free concert put on by Purified Sounds.
Melissa Sharp took a break from dancing to the band’s beats to remember those who she said gave so much on the day that changed America forever.
She said she had not heard about the event, but when she saw the runners she decided to join in the festivities.
“Tonight shows me how communities across the country are pulling together and doing different things so that we never forget,” she said. “This is Hinesville’s way of celebrating life and remembrance.”
On Saturday morning, an estimated 30 runners hit the pavement once again, this time starting off on the Liberty County Courthouse steps.
A flag held up by two cranes blew in the wind as the winners neared the finish line, lights from Hinesville police cruisers illuminating the way.
Garth Patterson came in first in the overall male division, Jacqueiline Cassidy placed first for the females and Melvin Green, 16, received honors for winning the under 18 division.
Troy Vogel, Liberty County’s United Way 2009 co-chairman, said he received a positive response from participants.
“It’s important for us to honor our local heroes, police officers, fire fighters, medical personnel and service men and women to show them our support,” he said. “We hope to keep this going every year.”
“We would also like to thank the Hinesville Police Department because we could not have done this without them,” he added.
The event, designed to commemorate Sept. 11, began as more than 25 registered participants embarked on a one-and-a-half-mile trek from Bradwell Park — a warm up to Saturday’s 5/10K family fun run.
Sgt. Adam Jordan, 27, ran the warm-up race with his wife and two children.
“I wanted to remember 9/11 and teach my kids to be patriotic and to remember that freedom is not free. You have to work for it,” he said.
As Jordan ran across the finish line with his daughter Kaelyn, 3, others in attendance enjoyed a free concert put on by Purified Sounds.
Melissa Sharp took a break from dancing to the band’s beats to remember those who she said gave so much on the day that changed America forever.
She said she had not heard about the event, but when she saw the runners she decided to join in the festivities.
“Tonight shows me how communities across the country are pulling together and doing different things so that we never forget,” she said. “This is Hinesville’s way of celebrating life and remembrance.”
On Saturday morning, an estimated 30 runners hit the pavement once again, this time starting off on the Liberty County Courthouse steps.
A flag held up by two cranes blew in the wind as the winners neared the finish line, lights from Hinesville police cruisers illuminating the way.
Garth Patterson came in first in the overall male division, Jacqueiline Cassidy placed first for the females and Melvin Green, 16, received honors for winning the under 18 division.
Troy Vogel, Liberty County’s United Way 2009 co-chairman, said he received a positive response from participants.
“It’s important for us to honor our local heroes, police officers, fire fighters, medical personnel and service men and women to show them our support,” he said. “We hope to keep this going every year.”
“We would also like to thank the Hinesville Police Department because we could not have done this without them,” he added.