Whole Hearts for wear blue Mile at Half

Thousands will run through of the streets of Fredericksburg at the Marine Corps Historic Half and Semper 5ive on Sunday, May 21, 2017. For the third year, wear blue: run to remember will build a wear blue Mile honoring our nation’s fallen heroes.

As runners approach Caroline Street, conversations will dissipate. Footsteps, some with a perfect cadence, others shuffling with slow determination, both focused on finishing, will become the prevailing sound.

Faces of the Fallen tribute posters will carefully line the next 1,064 steps. Each poster has been personally requested by an athlete or volunteer on the course, and honors a hero who gave his or her life while in service to our great nation. Many locals will recognize one of their own, Army Corporal Ryan McGhee, graduate of Massaponax High School, killed in action on May 13, 2009. With his name carefully placed on her back, wear blue athlete Katie Scott will honor Corporal McGhee with each of her steps, ensuring that his sacrifice will never be forgotten.

With somber voices, some may read each name softly. Others will salute. The tribute images will allow runners the space to honor, reflect, and be inspired.

The quiet of the posters will be followed by the thundering cheers of wear blue volunteers proudly bearing full sized American flags, showcasing love of country, pride in service and the desire to see you succeed.

To become a part of this living memorial, please join wear blue for our runner’s Circle of Remembrance before the start of the Historic Half at 6:30am in the Expo Center Parking lot. wear blue race apparel is available at the Healthy Lifestyle expo.

To volunteer along the wear blue Mile holding a flag, please sign up to receive important Historic Half information.

As you run through the wear blue Mile, together we will ensure each of America’s fallen military heroes is honored and remembered, and that their families, friends, and fellow military can take meaningful, life affirming steps forward.

Thanks for visiting this archived blog. The content and details are specific only for the event year highlighted in this article. For current information, please visit the event page within the MCM website.