What is the 9/11 Silent Walk?
Our Story:
In 2013, amidst a community that seemed to let the significance of 9/11 slip away, five firefighters from the Greater Charleston Area—Tian Griffieth, the late John Johnston, Ray Kozik, Andrew Spratt, and David Hanley—felt a profound sense of duty. They couldn't bear the thought of 9/11 becoming just another day, a day when the world simply moved on. For them, and for countless others, September 11th will always be a day filled with heartbreak, pain, and the haunting reminder of empty seats at the dinner table.
Driven by a deep-seated desire to honor the 343 FDNY firefighters and all 2,977 victims lost on that tragic day, they conceived the 9/11 Silent Walk. What began as a humble tribute by representatives from Summerville Fire Department, Old Fort Fire Department, and Joint Base Charleston Fire Department has blossomed into a beacon of remembrance, drawing participants from every corner of our community.
With each passing year, the Silent Walk grows, weaving together the threads of grief, solidarity, and resilience. It's not just a walk; it's a collective embrace of shared pain and unwavering resolve. Over 3,100 souls have joined hands and hearts, ensuring that the memories and sacrifices of those lost are etched into the fabric of our collective consciousness.
As we walk in silence, our footsteps echo the profound emptiness left in the wake of 9/11. But with each step, we also reaffirm our commitment to never forget—to keep the flame of remembrance burning bright, even in the darkest of times. The 9/11 Silent Walk is more than an event; it's a sacred pilgrimage, a testament to the enduring power of love, unity, and the human spirit.
GET INVOLVED
The 11th Annual 9/11 Silent Walk will take place this year on Wednesday, September 11th, 2024, and will conclude at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. “We are honored to have such a great partner for the event,” said The 9/11 Silent Walk Executive Director Tian Griffieth. “The museum has been a sign of patriotism in the Lowcountry for more than 40 years and is the perfect fit for the conclusion of our event.” The 9/11 Silent Walk will begin in Charleston at East Bay Street & Grace Bridge Street and participants will walk the full length of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in Charleston, SC, then proceed from Mt. Pleasant Water Front Park to the Flight Deck of the USS Yorktown. This 4.5-mile walk will end with participants ringing a ceremonial bell signaling the completion of their journey.
FULL EVENT DETAILS
Arrival:
On Wednesday, September 11th, 2024 the participants of the 11th Annual 9/11 Silent Walk should arrive at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant South Carolina located at 40 Patriots Point Rd. Mt. Pleasant, S.C.29464 beginning at 6:30 AM.
Parking:
Participants are encouraged to carpool if possible, to limit vehicle traffic into the event space. All Participants are to park in the grass fields adjacent to the parking lot of the USS Yorktown.
Registration: 6:30AM -8:15AM
Participants will need to check-in on the morning of the event at the registration booth. While at registration first responders will be assigned a fallen member to honor during the event. Reserved lanyard(s) can be picked up at this location as well.
The Event: 8:46AM-10:30AM
Participants will be shuttled from Patriots Point to the starting line in Charleston, SC. Buses will run from 6:30 AM-8:30 AM. Participants will walk from Charleston across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge to Mt. Pleasant. There will be two water stations on the bridge (one at each diamond). Upon arriving in Mt. Pleasant there will be restrooms and water stations. From Mt. Pleasant waterfront park participants will proceed to Patriots Point. Participants will enter the park and be guided to the ship access point. Upon reaching the ship, participants will be directed to the route to the flight deck where they will locate the ceremonial bell and ring it, this will signal the completion and end of their journey.
Access to the USS Yorktown:
Registered participants of the 11th Annual 9/11 Silent Walk will receive complimentary admission to Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.
Memorial Ceremony: 10:30AM - 11:30AM
The ceremony will begin at 10:30 AM on the Flight Deck of the USS Yorktown. Guest Speaker Include: Honorable Mayor TBD, Fire Chief TBD, TBD New York City Police Department, TBD Fire Department New York, and Musical Guest Aisha Kenyetta. There will be 343 seats available for the ceremony.
