Runners will stop after each mile at a Hero Marker to present a flag and personalized biographical card to waiting family members and friends. (Photos courtesy of New Jersey Run for the Fallen)
The 17th annual Run for the Fallen honoring U.S. servicemen and women who have died while fighting the war on terrorism will pass through Cape May County on Thursday.
The New Jersey Run for the Fallen is an organization of military personnel who come together each year to run 190-plus miles throughout New Jersey over four days to pay tribute to their fallen comrades and Gold Star families.
The mission of the runners and support crew is clear: “To run one mile for every New Jersey service member killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.”
An initial Remembrance Ceremony will be held on Wednesday at the Naval Air Station Museum, 500 Forrestal Road, Cape May Airport. It will be followed by a buffet dinner inside the museum for Gold Star families, the runners and support team.
Then on Thursday, the runners will depart Sunset Beach, at 502 Sunset Boulevard in Cape May Point, at 7:40 a.m. to begin a route that will take them through Cape May Point, the city of Cape May, Lower Township, Wildwood Crest, Wildwood, Stone Harbor, Avalon, Sea Isle City, Strathmere and Ocean City.
Each mile that is run is dedicated to a fallen New Jersey hero. Runners will stop after each mile at a Hero Marker to present a flag and personalized biographical card to waiting family members and friends.
Runners carry flags with them in a patriotic display.Ocean City’s Morvay-Miley-Cruice American Legion Post 524 has been an integral part of this event since its inception in 2009.
After visiting the 60 Hero Markers located throughout Cape May County, a dinner will be provided for the Gold Star families, runners and the support team by Post 524 at its headquarters building, at 4562 West Ave. in Ocean City.
“Post 524 is pleased to be doing its part to pay tribute to New Jersey’s brave servicemen, servicewomen and their families,” Ocean City American Legion Commander Bob Marzulli said. “This is a unique and moving event, and the public is invited to join us along the route.”
There are 31 Hero Markers at 16 locations in Ocean City. For a complete list of all the Hero Markers in Cape May County, visit NJ Run for the Fallen.
The public is invited to come out to one of the markers 45 minutes prior to the arrival of the run team and show appreciation for the sacrifices the military members and their families have made.
For more information, contact Post 524 Adjutant Jack Hagan at (609) 304-3088.
