The third annual 13-Mile Walk will take place on Saturday, Sept. 14, in Dayton to honor the 13 U.S. military service members who were killed during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.
The walk will begin at 8 a.m. at the Dayton Police Department on SH 321 (Cleveland St.), with participants walking the 13-mile route to the Liberty County Courthouse in Liberty and then returning to the starting point.
The event, organized by Dayton police officers Tyler Head and Anthony Walker, both former U.S. Marines, serves as a tribute to the fallen soldiers.
“It’s important to do this walk as these military service members seem to have been forgotten by some. We’re going to continue to do it every year,” said Head.
The walk is open to all, and there is no need to sign up in advance — simply arrive before the 8 a.m. start time. Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably and bring water and snacks for the journey. Police vehicles will escort the walkers to ensure their safety throughout the event.
Walkers are not required to complete the entire 13 miles. Those who prefer to walk only part of the way are welcome to do so, provided they arrange their own transportation.
With temperatures expected to be in the high 70s to low-90s, the weather should be pleasant for the event. In its first year, the walk attracted 60 participants, with slightly fewer last year. Organizers hope that this year’s conditions will encourage even more people to join in and honor the fallen.