Residents march to honor 13 fallen soldiers in Kabul, Afghanistan

Area residents set out on a march Sunday morning to honor the 13 military members that recently lost their lives in a tragic terrorist attack at the hands of a suicide bomber in Kabul, Afghanistan. The event saw the group walk from the Dayton Police Department on HWY 321 to the Liberty County Courthouse and back for a 13.8-mile trip, the 13 being significant to honor each of the soldiers that lost their lives.

Event organizer Dayton Police Sgt. Tyler Head, a former Marine himself, who did multiple tours in Iraq and served one tour in Afghanistan, was very excited about his response from community members who wanted to participate in the event, which developed in just a few short days. Marchers came from all walks of life, some former military, some just wanting to show their gratitude.

“It all happened within six or seven days. This was just heavy on our hearts,” said Head.

Head was very thankful for all of the support that came from the DPD and the Dayton Volunteer Fire Dept., Liberty PD, and the Liberty County Sheriff’s Dept. as well.

“I want to thank all the departments as a whole, everyone chipped in, and it was very heartfelt and awesome,” he said.

Head hopes that this event can grow and take place annually around the Sept. 11 anniversary, so it can grow to become a larger event honoring all of those that have served and especially sacrificed for the country.

Speaking on the long hot walk from Dayton to Liberty, Head felt it was nothing like the daily sacrifice our servicemen and women give every day, especially those overseas.

“We just did 13.8 miles, which is a cakewalk compared to service they do over there,” concluded Head.