This tribute will begin with a brief ceremony, as the Commanding Officer of the Marine Detachment orders 21-rounds to be delivered to the firing detail that will be formed on 07 November. The first runner at that time will begin the first of the over 1050 three mile laps around Barton field. As each runner completes their lap the 21-rounds will be passed on to the next Marine or Sailor. This process will be repeated over 1050 times until a lap has been completed for each of the fallen Marines and Sailors.
The final lap will be run by the entire compliment of Marines and Sailors that participated in the event. The tribute will end at approximately 1500 hours, 7 November, when the 21-rounds will be handed over to the firing detail and a 21-gun salute is rendered, followed by the playing of taps and the singing of the Marine’s Hymn. A Marine or Sailor will be on the track running 24 hours a day for the entire 20 day duration. The run will cover over 3150 miles and will take over 450 hours to complete. We undertake this journey to remember our fallen brothers and sisters that are now part of our Corps’ history and to honor their sacrifice. SEMPER FI.
Today, roughly 700 members from all services came out to cap off a twenty day tribute. The event honors the 1,050 Marines and Navy Seamen who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Monday is the US Marine Corps birthday (11/10) and Tuesday is Veterans' Day (11/11). Take a moment to remember those who have given, are giving, and will give to defend the United States.
There are many things we can do to celebrate Veterans Day throughout the year.
Take a moment and send an email, provide pet foster care, send a care package, donate blood, donate frequent flyer miles, or volunteer in your community.
America Supports You
US Department of Veterans Affairs
US Army
US Marines
US Air Force
US Navy
Operation Military Pride
Xerox provides a Let's Say Thanks campaign grab a widget for your space
Armed Forces Network (AFN)
History Channel's Take a Veteran to School Day
iCasualties - Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)
iCasualties.org - Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)
Most of the links provide supplemental information for teachers and parents to teach children more about the day and how to say, "Thank you" to the many veterans they see everyday.
A few more ways to honor our heroes this Veterans Day
• Write a veteran a thank-you note, or send a letter to an entire VFW or American Legion post.
• Write a letter/Send an email to a Soldier currently serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.
• Talk to your children about who veterans are, what they do and what their service means to our country.
• Write a veteran a thank-you note, or send a letter to an entire VFW or American Legion post.
• Write a letter/Send an email to a Soldier currently serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.
• Talk to your children about who veterans are, what they do and what their service means to our country.
Thank you Veterans! We will never forget.
What special way do you remember your veterans?
