The marchers will meet at the Lebanon Armory, 1010 Leeville Pike, where a safety briefing will be held at 3 p.m. The nine-mile trek starts promptly at 4 p.m. and concludes at the Wilson County Fairgrounds.

The event was first organized by then-SFC Jim Williams in 2005, a year after he returned from deployment to Iraq.

Held each year during the brutal heat and humidity of August, the nine-mile march represents the first nine Tennessee Guardsmen who died in support of the war on terror.

“Ultimately it is to honor all who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country,” explained Williams, now a Master Sergeant. “I feel very deeply about it and it has grown every year until it now includes soldiers, retirees and civilians who want to show their respect by making the walk.

Persons wishing to participate may e-mail Williams at fallensoldiersmarch@yahoo.com or search fallensoldiersmarch on Facebook.