Some of the service members in town for Fleet Week are doing much more than taking in the sights. Many got out to run this morning at a special event honoring the victims of the 9/11 terror attacks. Shannan Ferry has the story from lower Manhattan.
Members of the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard take to the streets for a somber cause.
"I've never been to New York City and ever since September 11th I've always wanted to come here," said Chief Brian Strantz, with the U.S. Navy.
More than 150 service members took part in the Fleet Week Freedom Run to pay tribute to the nearly 3,000 people who died in the 2001 terror attacks. Participants warmed up at the north cove marina before making their way through the financial district to the 9/11 Memorial Plaza.
"I was actually here during the time of 9/11 when the World Trade Center fell so it was a very tragic moment for me I was in sixth grade when it happened," said Sergeant David Bratcher, with the U.S. Marines. "But it's also very moving because I get to come and be a part of something."
Organizers say this is the fifth time they have hosted the event. Colonel Matthew Reuter says it is especially meaningful to run for this cause during the Memorial Day weekend.
"We've certainly had our losses throughout our military history and this is a loss as well for America so it's nice to join those two together on this day," Marine Col. Reuter said.
"Before I was a Marine I was a firefighter so when I think about 9/11 I think about what was going through their minds and the uncertainty and going up into the towers," said Jordan Pinkham.
After the run, service members held a moment of silence here at the World Trade Center Memorial. Although their time in New York is limited, they say they'll keep the victims in their memories forever.