Paul “Paulie” Veneto, founder of “Paulie’s Push” organization, walked an airline cart through Newville Pennsylvania on August 31, in order to raise awareness of those affected by the terrorist attacks of 9/11.
Taking his first step in 2021, Paulie annually walks the flight paths of the three planes that were hijacked. On his latest walk, which he began in Newark, NJ, was around 300 miles long. Almost a month later, he arrived in Shanksville, PA. Veneto takes strides with a purpose of honoring the crew, first responders, and innocent people who were lost. He specifically highlights the lives of the 7 crew members of United Flight 175 to California- the same plane he worked on for years previously. Because of his friendships with those employees, their deaths hit close to home.
Veneto said his favorite part of the event is “Meeting the people along the way and hearing their stories.” Big Spring High School allowed him to do just that. Members of the Band and Choir received an email asking them to participate in a “once-in-a-lifetime” event. Many jumped at the opportunity. Musicians gathered across from the Laughlin Mill to serenade him as he walked through the town.
The band played “Land of 1000 Dances” as well as “Hey Baby,” led by student conductor Lennon Anderson. Band director Adam Nobile explained the importance of the event, and how unique it was to our community. He hopes that students will benefit from the overall moral behind the Push.
Choral director Edward Wilson was on the search for a song that was “simple“ and “patriotic” for the new group, and came upon “This Land is Your Land”. The lyric “As I went walking that ribbon of highway…” seemed fitting for the occasion. Wilson was 12 at the time of the 9/11 attack, and in turn does not have a personal connection with the event. However, he mentioned that his students have “always lived in a post-9/11 society” and having somebody like Paulie to “keep that idea alive” is imperative. Wilson said “I think our administration really values the patriotism in our community. To have something this patriotic pass through and not be a part of it, would not have been the best move.” He describes that the residents of our small-town American community would appreciate the students providing recognition for Veneto. If given the opportunity to participate in the Push again, Wilson hopes to assemble a more detailed arrangement if given the time to prepare.
Veneto’s foundation is non-profit, collecting online donations. Paulie explains that the money, “pays for the cost of the push, and anything left over goes to any 9/11 family that we can help out” Seeing as many people have lived through the horrific event, communities across America can relate to his motivations and are willing to support the walks. Other than donations, the “Paulie’s push” website advises to get involved by walking with Veneto on his next trek.
