FORT SILL, Okla., Dec. 1, 2016 -- The sixth annual Run for the Fallen 5K began with a single cannon shot in front of the Fort Sill Patriot Club, Nov. 23. The sound signalled more than 1,000 participants to begin a run that both honors and commemorates Soldiers who have died in service to their country. The 3.1 mile run was led by by a four-bike motorcade.
Organized in part by the 428th Field Artillery Brigade, the run helps connect Gold Star families with Survivor Outreach Services (SOS). In turn, the SOS offers support and assistance to families who have lost a service member. The 428th FAB took over the organizational aspects of the run from the departed 214th Fires Brigade two years ago. Maj. Lawrence Lewis helped organize the event and said he's happy it continues to gain popularity.
"A portion of the funds are donated to SOS, which in turn uses the funds to help sponsor Gold Star families," in a variety of capacities, said Lewis.
More than 60 people representing 26 Gold Star families returned this year, and were joined by service members, veterans and civilians from Fort Sill and the surrounding area. To Lewis, this indicates that there's an increased interest in the number of families participating.
Race organizers believe that holding the event right before Thanksgiving is a good time to remember those who have served and to give thanks for their sacrifices.
Surrounding the stage near the start and finish line were physical representations of some of the Soldiers being honored at the run. Pairs of boots lined the base of the stage, a small American flag tucked in each one. Pictures of Soldiers both in combat and dress uniform accompanied the pairs of boots, a poignant reminder of the lives honored during the 5K.
Gold Star families, participants and spectators took time to pay homage to the images, some showing visible emotions.
"There's my son," a Gold Star mother was overheard saying. Shaking, she asked a stranger to take a picture of her son's photo displayed on the stage because she was too emotional to take the photo herself. The interaction between these two strangers was a reminder of what the event hoped to facilitate.
Families who have lost a loved one serving in the armed forces, are called Gold Star families following a World War I tradition wherein families would fly banners to signal that they had a member serving in the military. Blue stars indicated the service member was alive, while gold stars represented a family member who had died in the line of duty. In his opening remarks, Col. Joe Bookard, 428th FAB commander, called on participants to keep in mind the reasons for the race.
"We are here to help recognize our Gold Star families and the lives and accomplishments of their loved ones," said Bookard.
Motioning toward the rows of boots around the stage, Bookard invited those present to "read about these individuals who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their nation."
He concluded by recognizing that the event holds its own unique challenges.
"There will be somber moments of remembrance but there will also be moments of joy and celebration," said Bookard, calling on the participants to reach out and share words of condolence with the Gold Star families.
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