Today marks the 23rd anniversary of the Islamist terrorist attack against the United States, and specifically against New York City and Washington D.C., on September 11, 2001 (I wrote about it from my perspective as a life-long resident of New York City, including on 9/11/01, a few years ago). I visited Universal City in San Antonio, Texas a few months ago and came across a small 9-11 remembrance.
The Heroes Walk stone’s stated purpose is “To Remember the tragedy of 9/11, Honor the lives lost, and Support all those who fight for freedom.”
I conducted some cursory research and discovered that the Heroes Walk was an event in Universal City going back to 2009, “intended to commemorate the memory of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks as well as celebrate American patriotism.” There will be a number of 9/11 events held before, on, and after September 11 this year in San Antonio.
Careful observers of my photo will notice a plaque at the foot of the Heroes Walk stone. It reads:
In Memory of Councilmember Beverly Volle
For Her Dedication to the City of Universal City and efforts to Never Forget the Events of September 11.
Beverly Volle was a 12-year member of the Universal City Council who passed away at the age of 76 on January 11, 2023. A 2010 article on the Heroes Walk noted Volle’s role in creating the event:
Universal City City Councilwoman Beverly Volle, who was in the U.S. Air Force and at the Pentagon the day of the attack, said she wanted to find a way to commemorate those who served that day, who perished in the attacks, and all emergency responders who, today, wear uniforms of service.
Of the purpose of the walk she explained:
“It’s not for exercise, it’s simply to commemorate those who died, those who served, and our emergency responders that day and today, the guys who risk it all every time they answer a call.”
