Press Releases

OKLAHOMA CITY TO HOST 2006 FREEDOM WALK

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2006
Contact: Michael Carnuccio
Saxum Strategic Communications
rstone@saxumcommunications.com
405.880.4261 or 405.608.0445

OKLAHOMA CITY TO HOST 2006 FREEDOM WALK

OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Brad Henry and former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating today announced Oklahoma City will host a Freedom Walk on the fifth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, commemorating the tragic events at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The announcement was made at a news conference held at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.

The 2006 Oklahoma City Freedom Walk, inspired by the America Supports You Freedom Walk held in Washington D.C. last year, will be a one-mile march through the heart of downtown. The purpose of the walk is to provide Oklahomans an opportunity to pay public tribute to lives lost in the terrorist acts, make a renewed commitment to freedom, and honor America’s military veterans, police officers and fire heroes.

“It’s important that the events that transpired, and the sacrifices made by American men and women on September 11, never leave the public conscience,” Keating said. “Oklahomans have shown the world our survivor spirit through past tragedies. This march is another chance to show the bond we’ve built with each other and our commitment to freedom.”

The Monday, September 11 event is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. with a ceremony on the grounds of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum (620 N. Harvey) and travel southbound along Robinson Avenue to the Cox Convention Center on Sheridan Avenue, and then eastbound on Sheridan through Bricktown to the east side of the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark. At the ballpark, participants will take part in special musical tributes by national country music recording artists The Great Divide, and special guest Luke Stricklin. Stricklin is an Iraq War veteran who gained national attention, including appearances on The Today Show, CNN and Fox News, for his hit song “American by God's Amazing Grace,” that he first recorded using a $10 microphone on a laptop in Baghdad.

“A demonstration like this sends a very simple and powerful message,” said Henry. “We won’t be defeated by fear. The Freedom Walk is our opportunity to make a defiant statement against the goals of terrorism, and continue to heal as we move forward as a state and nation.”

Devon Energy Corporation is the title sponsor of the event. Other sponsors include: Clear Channel Communications, The Oklahoman, The Chickasaw Nation, The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, Saxum Strategic Communications, Box Talent, Express Personnel Services, Home Creations, and the Oklahoma RedHawks.

“Devon is honored to support such an admirable event,” said J. Larry Nichols, Devon’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Oklahomans have a unique ability to unite in the face of terrorism, and this event is an appropriate way for our state to honor the brave and those we have lost.”

The Freedom Walk is free, and people of all ages and physical condition are encouraged to participate. There will be plenty of parking available and water will be available to participants along the route, as well as restroom facilities. Additionally, the Spirit of Oklahoma Trolley service will run through 11 p.m.

Participants are encouraged to register for the walk online at www.freedomwalkokc.com. Those who register will receive a free Freedom Walk T-shirt at the walk good for discounts at participating Bricktown restaurants on the night of the event. Registration is not mandatory, but suggested for logistical purposes.

Co-chairs of the event include Frank and Cathy Keating, Larry and Polly Nichols, Renzi Stone (Saxum Strategic Communications), and Kari Watkins (Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum).

Similar Freedom Walks are scheduled to coincide with the Oklahoma City event in several other states, including: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.

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America Supports You is a nationwide program launched by the Department of Defense, highlighting how Americans are supporting men and women of the armed forces. For more information on this program, please visit www.americasupportsyou.mil.

For updated information on the Oklahoma City Freedom Walk, please visit www.freedomwalkokc.com.

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