Hartford — The national commander of the American Legion, Dale Barnett of Douglasville, Ga., and Department Commander Paul Spedaliere will lead American Legion family members and friends in an Awareness Walk for Veterans on Oct. 8. Registration opens at 8:30 am; walk steps off at 10 a.m.

The walk will take place from Bushnell Park to American Legion Post 142.

Parking and registration will be at American Legion Post 142, 2121 Main St. Transportation from American Legion Post 142 to Bushnell Park will be provided complimentary from the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs.

In addition to raising public attention on the important issues facing veterans and their families, some of the proceeds raised for The American Legion Walk for Veterans will be used for the National Emergency Fund, which has provided more than $8 million of assistance to legion family members and legion posts that have been impacted by natural disasters.

The American Legion Walk for Veterans will be 1.8 miles and registered participants will receive a T-shirt, bottled water and refreshments, which will be included with the $20 registration fee.

For more information or to register, call the American Legion Deptartment Headquarters at (860) 436-9986 or Jim LaCoursiere at (860) 705-4173. Register in person at Post 142.