Memorial Day Virtual Marathon.

It was a beautiful day to do my Honoring our Heroes Virtual 5K.  I decided to head out to Quantico National Cemetery in Virginia to do my "run".  As it was Veteran's Day, there were many people there honoring those who served us well. I wanted to thank them and honor them too.  I walked and walked and walked...even beyond my 5K- it turned into my first 10K.  I pushed through the heat and being tired, because that was the least I could do.  As I walked, I reflected on the lives of those who have and continue to fight for my freedoms and the rights of all Americans.

As some may already know, I have difficulty doing two things at once, so managing to take a photo with my phone while walking proved to be very challenging.  Most of my photos were blurry and I pretty much gave up taking photos until I was finished with my marathon.  Yes, I suppose someone else may have had a hand in that "difficulty".

I did happen to jog a bit through the wooded trail area on the hillside that is dedicated to honoring fallen soldiers.  It's a place scattered with various statues, plaques and monuments for our heroes. I took pictures of a few too.

While I was walking past all the gravestones lined so perfectly straight, I continued to have a wondering thought.  I wondered out of all the men and women buried there, would I be able to find a grave of someone who was born or died on my birthday.  I decided that after completing my marathon and stopping my tracking device, I would go out on a quest to to find someone who shares that date with me.  Something in common, something that connects use even more than the Americanisim that we had in common.

I found them...Wilbert Crumpler, Jr. Born on my birthday in 1933.  I placed a penny on his tombstone to "pay" my respects and to give my thanks.  Then traveled on to find another soul on the other end...

Robert Brown.  Died on my birthday in 1999.  Placed a penny on his gravestone to "pay" my respects and said a thankful grace.  These two men, I have never known and will never know. They share something in common with me, and I'm grateful I was able to find them and say thank you for your service.

When I completed my marathon, I immediately traveled to the flagpoles that were displaying our flags at half staff for just a few minutes longer.  I stopped at the base of the flags, said a few private prayers of thanks and blessings and took off my shoes.  There's no way I could every repay them or walk in their shoes...I carried my shoes to the car and traveled home...

This race was also run in honor of my father, and relatives who serve in the military and in honor of the late Evans Hanson, who was killed in an accident while serving in Korea recently.  I am grateful I had the opportunity to run in honor of them.