Twenty-Five Years and VFW Keeps the Flame of Memory

High school students and young adults today may remember their parents speaking of the murderous Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack.

For those who did not experience the horrifying footage of the day that took the lives of almost 3,000 individuals of all ages, including hundreds of first responders during rescue attempts, it is difficult to imagine. For those who did, it is impossible to forget.

Ensuring the losses and sacrifices of that day won’t be forgotten is why members of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Arrant-Smith VFW Post 4127, established the annual Freedom Walk.

Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, is the date this year, with registration beginning at 9 a.m. at the VFW, 601 NE Second Road in Homestead.

Participants will receive a “goody bag” as long as supplies last. In recognition of 25 years, there will be a commemorative pin for registered walkers. Special commemorative coins will also be available for $5.

The Field of Honor Dedication and Reflection Ceremony will start at approximately 9:30 a.m., with the walk beginning immediately afterward. The route is about two miles and returns to VFW Post 4127 for the Celebration of Freedom, a free lunch, music and other activities.

The always-present South Florida Trail Riders will be joined by the Miami-Dade Police Department Mounted Unit, and multiple high school Junior ROTC groups will participate. The South Dade Senior High School football team will help, too, and for the first year, the Leisure City Moose Lodge No. 2258 will be part of the event.

The Commemorative Corner features a timeline, photographs, memorabilia and historical data. In the aftermath of the initial response, local first responders traveled to New York to assist in the recovery under grim conditions amid shattered glass, twisted steel and piles of concrete rubble.

A special section of the corner is devoted to them and others who spent weary days under incredibly difficult circumstances.

The Field of Honor will remain in place until approximately Oct. 12 and is also a way to recognize active military members, veterans or first responders in memory of or in honor of a hero — or a unit — who is serving or has served our country and community.

Businesses, organizations and individuals can sponsor a flag that will be dedicated as part of the event.

“Each flag is a $35 donation and comes with a certificate of participation, the identification medallion and the flag itself.”

Forms for flags and sponsorships are available at the VFW or by contacting vfw4127@yahoo.com.

Lizbeth Torres, VFW Florida District 5 president, and Matt Ochmanski, post commander and VFW Florida District 5 senior vice commander, are busy leading the preparations.

“We’ll have about 100 members and volunteers at the post and think we might have nearly 1,000 total attendees this year,” Ochmanski said.

Homestead Hospital and other major donors are greatly appreciated, but like all big events, additional donations are needed to help cover general expenses.

Donations of promotional items for the bags, food or water are helpful and can be dropped off by Sept. 5. Another way to support the event is for everyone to help spread the word. Volunteer opportunities are also available.

Questions about the event may be sent to LizyTorresVFWAux@gmail.com or directed to (786) 901-1411.

More information about “The Friendly Post” can be found on the VFW Post 4127 Facebook page, at www.vfw.org or by calling (305) 245-4535.