Annapolis 9/11 Run Honors Naval Academy Grads Who Died In Attacks

ANNAPOLIS, MD — A run through Annapolis will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The event will also honor the 14 U.S. Naval Academy graduates who died that day.

The deceased graduates ranged from the Classes of 1952 to 1998. Some were lieutenants and others were rear admirals. Some were retired and others were still serving.

"There is no better way to honor their memory than by gathering together in Annapolis to show our appreciation," Race Director Natanya Levioff said in a press release, noting that the event will also "honor all the men and women who fight for our freedom and serve our communities and our country each day."

The race is scheduled for Sept. 19 at 2 p.m. It will start at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

Registration is available at this link. Participants can sign up for a:

• 5K
• One-mile family run
• "5K GORUCK division that unites the community in remembering the sacrifices of the heroes of the September 11th attacks and in the wars since"

The Travis Manion Foundation is the host. The nonprofit honors Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion, a Naval Academy graduate who was killed by a sniper in Iraq while saving his wounded teammates in 2007.

The foundation hosts about 90 annual 9/11 races around the world. More than 60,000 people have participated in the commemorative events.

Two graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy and another from the U.S. Military Academy also died in the 9/11 attacks. Race organizers identified these victims as:

• Michael McGinty (USNA, 1981)
• Douglas Brian Durian (USMA, 1986)
• Kenneth E. Waldie (USNA, 1978)
• Col. Charles D. Jones (USAFA, 1974)
• Kenneth M. McBrayer (USNA, 1974)
• Kevin P. Connors (USNA, 1969)
• CAPT Robert E. Dolan Jr. (USNA, 1981)
• CDR Patrick S. Dunn (USNA, 1985)
• LT Jonas M. Panik (USNA, 1997)
• CAPT Gerald F. DeConto (USNA, 1979)
• CDR William H.Donovan Jr. (USNA, 1986)
• LT Darin H. Pontell (USNA, 1998)
• LCDR Ronald J. Vauk (USNA, 1987)
• Retired CAPT Charles F. “Chick” Burlingame (USNA, 1971)
• Retired RADM Wilson “Buddy” Flagg (USNA, 1961)
• Retired CAPT John D. Yamnicky Sr. (USNA, 1952)
• Maj. Leroy Homer (USAFA, 1974)

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