LEBANON, TN (WSMV) -
A walk in Lebanon on Friday honored troops who have given their lives defending America.
The annual Fallen Soldiers March, now in its eighth year, started with just one man back in 2005 and has become a non-profit organization hosting marches in Kuwait, Afghanistan and all over America.
"I came back from Iraq in 2004. I'd been blown up in an IED accident in 2003 and just felt very blessed and lucky to be alive," said Master Sgt. Jim Williams.
Williams began the march in 2005 as he walked alone.
"I basically just threw on a rucksack, picked up a flag and marched nine miles by myself," Williams said.
But over the years, Williams' march has grown and grown to now attract dozens. In the crowd Friday was Sgt. First Class Angela Harbula and her daughter, Allison, to foster a lesson in paying tribute to the fallen.
"I have two daughters, but they've both been raised to love our country, respect our country and realize our freedoms aren't free," Harbula said.
Moments before the march, Williams read off names of those lost while serving the country to a crowd of people each with their stories and deep connections to the armed forces.
And it's those names that stayed with them as they set out to the streets.
"After 10 years, 11 years, I think people start to forget," Harbula said. "We're here to honor the soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice, and they've given their lives for our freedom. That's why we're here."
The route spanned nine miles and ended at the Wilson County Fair.
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