SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Hundreds of people got together Saturday morning to participate in the third annual Patriot Day 5K Run.

The partnership between Fort Stewart-Hunter and the City of Savannah is meant to commemorate the lives lost on September 11, 2001, by bringing together first responders and the community for a 5K run.

“I just wish that young people would now recognize the lived experience, that freedom is not free,” said Mayor Van Johnson. “And that every day, there are people—not only on the streets of our cities but in theaters around the world to protect us.”

This is the third year the City has partnered with Fort Stewart-Hunter.

“I was serving already on 9/11. It shaped my entire career,” said Lt. Col. Derek Taylor. “I made the decision that day to go active duty and serve my country, so this means everything to me.”