Courtesy Photo | Runners participate in the annual Virginia Run for the Fallen on the Fort...... read more read more
Runners participating in the annual Virginia Run for the Fallen concluded a 245-mile journey that began in Virginia Beach April 28 and ended at Arlington National Cemetery May 1.
A small crowd cheered the 24 participants on as they made their way from Hatfield Gate and turned into the Old Post Chapel parking lot on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base under a gray and drizzly sky.
As the runners formed up near an American flag placed in front of the cemetery’s fencing and saluted, the crowd grew silent with dozens of hands being placed over hearts and heads being bowed in tribute to those who have given their lives in service to the nation.
“We saw the news reports about this and decided to come out and show our support,” said Army spouse Jo Seymour. “It is amazing that they did this that they ran all that way. What a unique way to honor those who died.”
According to organizers, participants ran one mile for every fallen Virginia service member who died while serving during the War on Terror. Placed about a mile apart throughout the entire length of the run, markers were set up for runners to stop and pay tribute to the fallen.
“This is all for the fallen members,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. Edward Loomis, who is stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis. “This was amazing. I am so honored to be part of it.”
Also on hand to greet the runners at Arlington was Army Lt. Gen. Anthony R. Ierardi, director, Force Structure, Resources and Assessment (J8) at the Pentagon.
“I am just honored to be here,” he said. “It’s a testament to the dedication these folks have to remember our fallen warriors.”
| Date Taken: | 05.05.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 05.05.2016 14:14 |
| Story ID: | 197428 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 32 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, Running to honor the fallen, by Julia LeDoux, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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