About Run for the Fallen
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 continue to encourage all Americans to honor & remember our fallen service members. Run one mile for a service member on August 21/22, 2010, the 3rd anniversary weekend of Run for the Fallen’s finish at Arlington National Cemetery. It is on this weekend that we nationally 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.
Good Morning;
I am the father of 1st. Lt. Jared M-V Landaker, U.S. Marine Corps, who was killed in Karma, Iraq on Feb. 7, 2007 while he was the co-pilot on a CH-46 on his last scheduled flight before coming home the next week.
A portion of SR-38 in Big Bear Valley, CA is dedicated as his memorial highway.
I would like to know about the time that the run will pass-by the momoial sign so that I could be there for pictures.
Please, respond as quickly as possible.
Thank you,
Joseph C. Landaker
Proud father of 1st. Lt. Jared M-V Landaker, U.S. Marine Corps (Deceased)
I am a friend of Joe and a neighbor. My heart goes out to him and his wife and family every time I pass the sign on sr-38 . I saw the flags along hwy 38, 18 and 330. I have stopped and read a lot of them and will continue. At first I thought of the Landaker family. I have and will continue to watch over the flags and their messages and try to keep them safe and inform as many people as possible of their meaning. As a veteran I am proud and honored to know each and every one of the fallen.
My heart goes out to all of our Fallen Hero’s. My husband was in the Marine’s until 2001 right after he got out his unit was deployed. My husband still wonders what would have been should he stayed. We would like to honor all of these soldiers and thier families that have given the up-most sacrifice. We understand the run will be coming thru our small town of Monticello, UT we are hoping to find out exactly when they will be thru as we would like to get the town out to support the runners. Again my heart, thougts and prayers go out to all of you!
I am stationed at fort Leonard Wood, MO. We have a group of us that would like to come out and run with the team when they pass through the Ft. Wood area. I would like to get in touch with the coordinators to find out the route and times that they will be in the area so our great Fort Leonard Wood community can ensure that we are there to show our support. I think that this is a great way to honor our heros.
I was honored to be able to participate with Run For The Fallen on July 6th, 2008. The day began at the Soldiers and Sailors Home in Monte Vista, Colorado with a memorial ceremony for Marine Sgt. Glen Martinez.
I had decided to run 10 miles that day. I like to run with headphones as the music helps pass time out on the road. Listening to the music as I traveled down hwy. 50 at the base of Blanca Peak I was reminded of my deployments. The young men and women passing the time away in their bunks, or riding in the back seat of a Humvee, headphones on, blasting out what I always thought of as loud, boring, crap. In an earlier time I’m sure my platoon sergeant thought the same of my music.
At one point in the run Nanci Griffith’s Love at the Five and Dime began to play. Listening to that song of a life spent in love hit me hard. I thought of the young man who’s name was attached to the flag I was carrying, and hoped he had the chance to dance close with the one he loved. Running down that road, the tears flowed easily.
Toward the end of my ten miles Three Dog Night hit my ears, as did a sense of peace. Like the young men and women of Run For the Fallen, I know the men and women they run for have a beautiful light, and it shines bright in the halls of Shambala.
Jerry Bailey
Fayetteville, Arkansas
I am stationed at Andrews AFB, MD. We have a group of us that would like to come out and run with the team as they make the final run from Dora Kelly national park to Arlingtion VA. I would like to get in touch with the coordinators to find out the route and times that they will be in the area so our great Andrews AFB community can ensure that we are there to show our support.
I am trying to find out what time and all of the specifics on when you will be running for Spc. Marisol Heredia on August 17th in Virginia. My husband and I would like to join you for the run for her. She was with the unit my husband was with when he was stationed at Fort Hood. They were deployed together. Please contact me as soon as possible.
Thank you so much for what you are doing to keep the memories of these very brave individuals alive. They have given so much and it’s the least that we can do to honor them.
I just saw You All on the NEWS, what You’re Doing is Outstanding! Running 1 Mile for a Fallen Service Member is a Brilliant Idea , Running to Arlington is Beautiful ! My Hat is Off !! HOOAH!!! ,Mike-Oregon City,Oregon(That`s right, Historic End of The Oregon Trail)
I guess I a just looking for more information. I would love to be a part of this. I’m in Colorado, and see there is no information there, should I be the one to get something put together? I fare part of my family is military and we have been lucky enough to still have everyone at the time my mind still goes back to 2004 when I almost lost my husband. I think what you guys are doing is great and want to be a part of it. I just need a little help as to what you guys are looking for.
CW3 Robert C Hammett, was a good friend of mine on the cusp of retirement following this last deployment, had know him for years. I had talked to him the night before he left us. I will be running to remember him and the impression he left on all of us in 3rd BDE 4th INF. I invite all who would like to remember him to join me in running at Fort Carson. I look forward to the opportunity.
Hi. Spc. Randy Neff was a VERY GOOD friend of mine and I would like to participate in this walk on Fort Carson on Saturday. Could someone please email me all the details about it? I need to know where it will be and what time. Can I register in advance? My email address is piccione40@hotmail.com Thank you.
Do they have one at fort Benning GA???
oct 17th 2009
SSG Cain. Owen Julius from WRAMC/Bethesda Navy , i will attend the run this year for the fallen soldier
at Fort Gordon,it will be my greatest honorer to run for a family of a fallen soldier, I will like
to take this monement to thank all of our fallen heros.
Good Evening,
I’d like to find out when & where the Run For The Fallen will be honoring my son’s best friend, SPC Eric Poelman, KIA Iraq 05Jun05 and my son, PFC Evan Bixler KIA Iraq 24Dec06.
If possible, I would like to meet the group (once again).
I will be participating in the Milwaukee, WI for the Run For The Fallen event at Wood’s National Cemetery on Sunday, August 21st hosted by the Being There/Reaching Out an organization that is for the families of WI fallen military.
Bless you for never forgetting one of them!
Lisa Bixler
Proud Gold Star Mother of
PFC Evan Abraham Bixler
KIA 24Dec06 Hit, Iraq
“The American Flag does not fly because the wind moves past it. The American Flag flies from the last breath of each Soldier, Sailor, Airman & Marine who has died protecting it.”
~Unknown