Flag Vigil and Walk to Honor Fallen

Only moments before the walk began, the fifth victim’s death was reported.

The mood on the walk was quiet, reflective…and somber.

"We’re all just reflecting on this week and how we all feel and most of us are silently praying that Chattanooga stays strong," said Lexie King who is from Chattanooga.

King is attending the University of Tennessee in Knoxville next fall.

Her excitement to join the Air Force after these shootings is reminiscent of the fervor to enlist following 9/11.

"In the fall I’m headed to UT Knoxville for Air Force ROTC so this really hit me close to home and I’ve never been more motivated to serve my country," said King.

Proud veterans walked beside supportive civilians.

But most surprising was the water stand set up by the Chattanooga Track Club.

Weeks ago they planned to begin passing out water Saturday mornings to random Chattanoogans enjoying their jog across the bridge.

They had no idea their first morning doing this, they would be quenching the thirst of hundreds of people carrying flags and remembering the fallen.

"As of last night they decided to have this Chattanooga strong event so we got to see a lot more people and give water to a lot more people," said club member Jane webb who volunteered passing out water. "It really makes us happy."

Temperatures were in the 90’s before noon.

Their cheer and cold water definitely added a spirit of resilience to the walk.

"At first it was very quiet and somber as they came across the bridge and then people started cheering a little bit and it’s okay to cheer I think," said Webb. "Okay to celebrate the good things, our heroes."