Fort Belvoir soldiers, Springfield-area business owners, local politicians, school groups and citizens marched across Veterans Bridge Tuesday evening for the 11th annual Springfield BridgeWalk.

Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay organizes the event each year to affirm the support of the local community for those who serve in the military, especially those at Fort Belvoir and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency at Fort Belvoir North. The BridgeWalk began in 2002 to commemorate the lives lost on 9/11 and to thank the men and women of the armed forces, he said.

The Kings Park Concert Band played marches and patriotic tunes, as those who marched then gathered at American Legion Post 176 for the annual signing of the Army Community Covenant, affirming support of state and local communities to active, Guard and Reserve service members and their families.

"The BridgeWalk is a source of celebration and commemoration," said Fort Belvoir Garrison Commander Col. Gregory D. Gadson.