Virtual and community run, walk to honor fallen heroes

Today, tens of thousands of surviving spouses, children, parents and siblings grieve the loss of a service member killed in combat operations, and no family of a fallen service member should remember alone, particularly on Memorial Day.

Wear blue: run to remember honors more than 65,000 service members who have given their lives in service to our country since the first days of the Vietnam War.

On May 30, wear blue invites service members, Veterans, families, caregivers, survivors and community members to join their Memorial Day run or walk, a no-cost event recognizing the men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation.

Throughout May, wear blue individually matches runners and walkers with a fallen hero’s name to honor with their steps on Memorial Day. Participants learn the stories, speak the names and honor the legacies of these service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

“Standing on the dark airfield in Afghanistan as young servicemen and women who were killed in action were placed aboard the cargo aircraft, my mind always thought of the family back home,” said Col. Dave Leach, Army Iraq and Afghanistan combat Veteran of 32 years and wear blue chief operations officer. “Regardless of why they chose to serve, they did. Leaving their friends, families – they went when our country asked and gave their lives. They are all incredibly worthy of our time, our respect and our remembrance – their service and their lives mattered. Wear blue gives me, and all of us, the chance to actively honor and remember these incredible individuals.”

Who is eligible? All military members, Veterans, family members, caregivers, survivors and community members can participate.

How to apply/participate? Visit the wear blue website at wear blue: run to remember to join the living memorial. When participants pledge to run or walk on Memorial Day, wear blue will provide the name and story of a fallen service member to honor with your steps.

What to expect? Once participants have pledged a meaningful number of miles, wear blue: run to remember will send the name, story and image of your fallen hero. Runners will learn inspiring stories of courage, dedication, selfless service and sacrifice of the men and women who have answered our nation’s call to service.

Contact  wear blue: run to remember for any questions about how you can join the community or participate in the challenge.