Here's the website: http://www.asyfreedomwalk.com/
How thoroughly offensive. I wondered how long it would take for 9/11 to become just another excuse to sell used cars. The answer: four years. But I'll admit I'm kind of surprised the Pentagon is the first one into the pool.
But wait, it gets more nauseating. Dig the list of corporate sponsors for the "Dance On The Graves Of The 9/11 Dead" festival:
Stars And Stripes
Pentagon Federal Credit Union
Lockheed Martin
Subway
ABC WJLA-TV Channel 7 and News Channel 8
WTOP Radio Network
Washington Post
Washington Convention & Tourism Corporation
Lockheed Martin? Lockheed Martin?
Sweet Jesus, this really is a big victory lap for the Pentagon and all their cronies. "Thank you, 9/11, for making us powerful beyond the dreams of mortal men!"
Next year, they go nationwide:
Q: Why is DoD organizing this event?
R: Since September 11, 2001, the Pentagon has provided citizens with opportunities to commemorate September 11 in meaningful ways. The America Supports You Freedom Walk is the fourth September 11 commemorative activity sponsored by the DoD. The goal for the 5th anniversary in 2006 is for each state to host a Freedom Walk in order to provide an opportunity for as many citizens as possible to reflect on the importance of freedom.
And country music! And funnel cake! And jugglers and clowns!
I can't wait to see the Burning Towers float, with Miss Bumfuck County Bean Harvest waving from the remains of the Pentagon. And maybe a huge inflatable Osama bin Laden, laughing his ass off.
Ryan
Pentagon to host 9/11 march, show
BY MICHAEL McAULIFF
DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU
WASHINGTON - The Pentagon will hold a massive march and country music concert to mark the fourth anniversary of 9/11, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said in an unusual announcement tucked into an Iraq war briefing yesterday.
"This year the Department of Defense will initiate an America Supports You Freedom Walk," Rumsfeld said, adding that the march would remind people of "the sacrifices of this generation and of each previous generation."
The march will start at the Pentagon, where nearly 200 people died on 9/11, and end at the National Mall with a show by country star Clint Black.
Word of the event startled some observers. "I've never heard of such a thing," said John Pike, who has been a defense analyst in Washington for 25 years and runs GlobalSecurity.org.
The news also reignited debate and anger over linking Sept. 11 with the war in Iraq.
"That piece of it is disturbing since we all know now there was no connection," said Paul Rieckhoff, an Iraq veteran who heads Operation Truth, an anti-administration military booster.
Rieckhoff suggested the event was an ill-conceived publicity stunt. "I think it's clear that their public opinion polls are in the toilet," he said.
Rumsfeld's walk had some relatives of 9/11 victims fuming.
"How about telling Mr. Rumsfeld to leave the memories of Sept. 11 victims to the families?" said Monica Gabrielle, who lost her husband in the attacks.
Administration supporters insisted Rumsfeld was right to link Iraq and 9/11, and hold the rally.
"We are at war," said Rep. Pete King (R-L.I.). "It's essential that we support our troops."
He also said attacking Iraq was necessary after 9/11. "You do not defeat Al Qaeda until you stabilize the Middle East, and that's not possible as long as Saddam Hussein is in power."
