WaPo withdraws from "Freedom Walk," DoD responds

Editor & Publisher reports that the Washington Post has decided to pull its sponsorship of the Dept. of Defense's "Freedom Walk," an event scheduled to coincide with the fourth anniversary of 9/11.

The newspaper told the Department of Defense that it was pulling back on its offer of free ads for the event--a march up the mall ending with a concert by pro-war country singer Clint Black.

"As it appears that this event could become politicized, The Post has decided to honor the Washington area victims of 9/11 by making a contribution directly to the Pentagon Memorial Fund," said Eric Grant, a Post spokesman. "It is The Post's practice to avoid activities that might lead readers to question the objectivity of The Post's news coverage."

The Dept. of Defense expresses its disappointment.

It is unfortunate that the Washington Post has made this decision not to support the "Freedom Walk," but we welcome their donation to the Pentagon Memorial Fund. This is a commemorative event to honor the memory of the victims who died in the attack on the Pentagon and to highlight the yet to be constructed Pentagon Memorial.

Everyone in American will pay tribute and commemorate this important day in different ways. This event is an opportunity to remember the victims and their families, to reflect on the sacrifices made by our troops and to recommit to the work still ahead.

Regardless of how one chooses to observe this anniversary we should never forget the sacrifices - both past and present -- made by those in defense of our freedom.