"Run For The Fallen"

On this beautiful August morning, in every state across this beautiful country of ours, runners and walkers alike are gathering to honor service men and women who have paid the ultimate price. We remember specially those who fell in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Here in Hendersonville we gathered to run seven miles. One for each of the seven service members our community has lost:

SSgt Brock A Berry. United State Army Staff Sgt. Fallen 3-23-06
LCp1 Tyler R Overstreet. United States Marine Corporal. Fallen 10-23-06
Cpl Patrick R Nixon. United States Marine Corporal. Fallen 3-23-03
Spc Sgt Joshua H. Reeves. United States Army SPC. Fallen 9-22-07
Tech Sgt Joey D. Link. United States Air Force Tech Sgt. Fallen 8-5-07
SSgt James W. Cawley. United States Marine Staff Sargent. Fallen 3-29-03
GySgt Jeffery E. Bohr. United States Marine Gunnery Sgt. Fallen 4-10-03

The event was sponsored by Hendersonville Running Club and events were coordinated by Leslie Valdez and Forrest Wise. The colors were presented by the Station Camp High School Color Guard under the direction of Col. Todd Overby. Local runner Retired USMC Randy Smith served as the master of ceremony. Mr. Floyd Lacey led the group in prayer and Mr. Oliver Barry sang the national anthem.

Additionally, we were honored to have the presence of Vietman Veteran Gary Harris from Radford, VA and his "Soldier Spirit" motor home.

Every mile along the course there was a sign honoring one of the above mentioned service men. Runners and walkers stopped briefly to pay their respects, say a silent prayer and a word of thanks. By the time the event had concluded each and every memorial had numerous flags placed there by those who remember their sacrifice.

To their families and friends we like to say that your loss will not be forgotten. Each and everyday we wake up and enjoy the liberties we do, we will remember that it is because of them that we are able to do what we do.