In 2008, volunteers set out from Fort Irwin, California, en route to Arlington National Cemetery to honor those who had died in Iraq and Afghanistan. They dedicated each mile to a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine who had fallen.
Seven years later, 1,500 Soldiers and more than 700 civilians remembered South Carolina Service members who have lost their lives since Sept. 11, 2001, during Saturday's Fifth Annual 5K Run/Walk for the Fallen at Darby Field.
There is no better place "than to be here, recognizing your sacrifices," Fort Jackson commander Maj. Gen. Roger Cloutier told Gold Star Families before the event.
"We will not forget our fallen comrades."
The Blue Star and Gold Star tradition began during World War I when Service flags were flown from homes, churches and other buildings to signify families who had Service members fighting the war.
A blue star represents each family member in Service.
A gold star signifies a Service member has been killed.
Fort Jackson bears a "duty and (a) sacred responsibility not to forget" the sacrifices Families and Service members have made, Cloutier said, moments before leading the run.
Sponsored by Fort Jackson's Survivor Outreach Services, the commemorative run/walk allowed the post to show its gratitude and brought together the Families of fallen Soldiers.
For Gold Star Families, recognition and support from the military is paramount.
Toni Stack, who lost her son Sgt. Maj. Michael Stack in 2004, said it was good to have the Families come together to support one another.
Michael was a dedicated Soldier, she said. He didn't have to go on the mission on which he was killed, but his team leader couldn't go, so "he felt he had to."
Stack has another son, Cecil, who retired from the Army as a sergeant major and worked in Army Public Affairs as a civilian.
For Karen Bullard - whose son Staff Sgt. David Bullard died Oct. 30, 2007, in Afghanistan - the event was a fitting way to honor those who have died.
"This walk is very special," an emotional Bullard said. "It's something we can do for our fallen Soldiers."
The run helps her remember her son, who left behind a wife and son.
"He used to call home every morning," she said. "My daughter-in-law was sitting with the baby and said, 'He hasn't called.'
"The Soldiers came up (to the house) about 10 minutes later (to notify us).
"I never got to say good-bye."
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