Our most recent event was the Honor the Fallen 5k and Memorial Mile walk. In benefit of Memories of Honor, over 550 participants traveled from near and far to create living memorials in commemoration of fallen service members. With each participant representing a fallen service member of their choice, the 5k united the entire community with a feeling of accomplishment and the highest respect for those who have fought for our freedom. This year’s event included a new handcycle/wheelchair division along with 6 different age divisions for male and female participants.
Following the 5k, 34 Gold Star Family Members in attendance were honored before the start of the Memorial Mile. Lining the path for the Memorial Mile, 55 photos of fallen military from the state of Tennessee or stationed at Fort Campbell guided the 350 participants through The Grove community. This surreal walk was followed by an outstanding performance by Marine Veteran, Adam Warner.
President of Memories of Honor and Fitness Director at The Grove, Jim Cotta, felt an enormous sense of pride for the way the Honor the Fallen 5k has grown over the last 4 years.
“For this many people to come together to honor our American Heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice and the families that they left behind is an awesome experience that people want to be a part of. Showing love, compassion, and support to our Gold Star families is what this event is all about and for it to be hosted at the beautiful Grove community has made it such a special event that has grown every year.”
We are incredibly proud to share that this year’s Honor the Fallen 5k and Memorial Mile raised $25,000 for Memories of Honor! Memories of Honor is a nonprofit that honors our fallen military and the families they leave behind through sports and special events in order to help heal the visible and invisible wounds of war. Memories of Honor acts as a living breathing memorial so that no loss of life during service to our country is forgotten.