Remembrance

Today is Veterans Day (Remembrance Day in Canada, my home country).  Around the world we honor our Veterans and the men and women who currently serve.

As a runner I am proud that the running community takes time to celebrate our heroes, and we do so regularly.  I remember my first ever race - the 1999 Bolder Boulder - seeing the team of runners in military fatigues running the 10k course in formation.  If that wasn't tough enough, they did a series of pushups in front of the finish line, then they crossed.  The crowd went crazy!

On Memorial Day weekend this year I entered a Memorial Day Run and March in my hometown of Castle Rock, Colorado.  There were 5k, 10k, and 30k events - I ran the 5k, but finished up to catch some of the 30k race.  The 30k race (actually it was a march) was primarily run by military members, and was administered by a Norwegian Army Officer.  Here's the kicker - the military members were in their full fatigues, and they also had to wear a rucksack filled with 25 pounds of food throughout the race that would be eventually donated to homeless veterans.  The Norwegian Officer presented each qualifying military marchers with the Norwegian Foot March Medal worn by the Norwegian Army.  It was a truly eye-opening and inspiring event!

We are touched by the sacrifices of all of the men and women in our Military here at home and around the world.  As runners we occasionally have moments like these to help celebrate their service, and we will celebrate their service today.  On this special day, we celebrate and remember all of our military heroes and their families.  Thank you for your service!