Running one mile for each service member killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Senator Bob Casey gives a tribute to Mike Cleary on the Senate floor, April 3, 2008.
This is in not an endorsement of Senator Casey’s political views or affiliation, but simply a reflection on his comments in as far as how we might remember our soldiers and their loved ones.
You’re currently reading “Floor Tribute: 1st Lt. Michael J. Cleary,” an entry on Run for the Fallen
I think Senator Casey did a phenomenal job! For me what really struck a chord was part of the address in which Casey details how difficult it is for those who have not lost a loved one in combat to identify with those who have. I believe his remarks truly embody how we want our soldiers to be remembered as we run this summer. “They were not born into divisions and platoons. They were not born with a uniform on; they were born into families-families of mothers and fathers and brothers and sisters and aunts and uncles and cousins and friends and so many others we know are all part of our families. So I think it is important to remember these young men and women, to the extent that we can, on their birthdays or some other significant moment in their lives.”
Senator Casey said it so well…it is so very important to remember our fallen soldiers, not only in the ultimate sacrifice they made for our country, but also to remember them as family members, friends and members of their respective communities. To look only at our fallen soldiers military careers and achievements alone is to simplify their lives-to simplify all the ways in which they have mattered, loved, and contributed to society, family, and friends in the civilian world.
Casey’s comment in regards to those who have not suffered the loss of a loved one in combat reminds me that not all Americans have been directly affected in this way.Perhaps not all Americans need to heal. However, I strongly believe that Americans want to help those who do. Just looking back at 9/11, and so many other catastrophes, I remember an America that responded with love and support as well as a refusal to forget those who were in need and those whose lives were lost. In partnering with Wounded Warriors, The Yellow Ribbon Fund, Gold Star Family Support Center, and the 1st Lt Michael J Cleary Memorial Fund, it is my hope that Run for the Fallen has provided an opportunity for America to respond, to remember and to help those in need of healing and support.
Never Forget- Never forget those who have fallen, never forget those who have suffered a deep loss, and never forget the powerful effect of those who provide a shoulder to cry on, and their ever ready willingness to help those in need; uniting Americans from coast to coast.
Run for the Fallen…
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Beginning June 14, 2008, a small team of runners ran across America to raise awareness about the lives of those service members who fought, to activate their memories and keep their spirits alive, to support organizations that help wounded veterans and the families of those killed (Wounded Warrior Project, Yellow Ribbon Fund, Gold Star Family Support Center, and the 1st Lt. Michael J. Cleary Memorial Fund), and to aid the healing process for those Americans whose lives have been affected by the war.
On the final day of the 2008 memorial run, over 9000 runners in nine countries and forty-three states collectively ran almost 36,000 miles in honor and remembrance of all fallen service members killed in both Iraq and Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom).
We encourage all Americans to continue to honor our fallen service members. Run one mile for a service member on August 22/23, 2009, the 2nd anniversary weekend of Run for the Fallen’s finish at Arlington National Cemetery. It is on this weekend that we run in honor and remembrance of all fallen service members killed in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
We refuse any political affiliation or agenda, but simply honor those who have fought, and those who have fallen under the American flag.
Download a runner’s bib that you can wear when you run for the fallen.
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