Military personnel are at the front entrance of the Fort Sheridan Resource Center. (Photo by Karie Angell Luc/for Chronicle Media)

The Great Lakes Training Division hosted its second Fort Sheridan 9/11 5K Remembrance Formation Run Challenge on Sunday morning, Sept. 10, in honor of the events of September 11, 2001.

The run began at the Philip H. Sheridan Reserve Center on the renowned Fort Sheridan site with a route through downtown Highwood. Military personnel wore matching clothing and civilians were invited to jog or walk, too.

Non-military participants were encouraged to wear red, white and blue apparel.

Doing her part in patriotic clothing was Lupe Gallardo of Grayslake, president of the Grayslake Running Club.

“9/11, it’s a day that many of us will never forget,” Gallardo said. “I know I won’t certainly forget where I was at when it all happened. I’m here to pay tribute to all of those who lost their lives and for those who continue to serve our country.”

Ready to front the run is Lt. Gen. Charles D. Luckey (left), chief of Army Reserve and commanding general. (Photo by Karie Angell Luc/for Chronicle Media)

The morning included a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance. The walk/run, as a community builder, was not meant to be competitive.

“9/11 is a day that I think affected all of us,” said Highwood Mayor Charlie Pecaro.

Pecaro spoke to participants shortly before the race stepped off on a blue sky day with temperatures in the 50-degree range.

“It changed our lives, the way we think, the way we go about living,” Pecaro said.

Fronting the runner’s line was Lt. Gen. Charles D. Luckey, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general.

“It’s awesome to be here,” Luckey said, of the honor of recognizing 9/11 with the event.

“It’s a big deal, this is a big day.”

Grayslake Running Club shirt is Lupe Gallardo (third from left) of Grayslake, president of the Grayslake Running Club. She’s among civilians who participated in the Sunday morning event. (Photo by Karie Angell Luc/for Chronicle Media)

Luckey also recalled Sept. 11, 2001 and said he was in North Carolina and in communication with government colleagues as events unfolded.

“I remember vividly where I was,” Luckey said.

LTC Kevin P. Coleman of Great Lakes Training Division ATO welcomed civilians on a day that would be his last during his several decade career.

“This is a day for remembrance, resolve and renewal as we come together to remember,” Coleman said.

— Fort Sheridan runs to remember the fallen on 9/11  —-