In 2006 construction began on the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, located on the former site of the World Trade Center. The memorial was dedicated on the tenth anniversary of the attacks and has been visited by millions of people. Brian Gallagher, who grew up in New York City and served in the Marine Corps, explains his plan to honor the memory and sacrifices of those who died in the attacks and the servicemembers who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. On May 26, 2012, he achieved his goal of running one hundred miles around the World Trade Center site.
At the time of its completion, One World Trade Center, or what is commonly known as the Freedom Tower, will soon scrape the New York City skyline at 1,776 feet. The height of the tower symbolically represents the year that [the] Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, charting a path of freedom for this great nation.
For centuries, we’ve enjoyed the fruits of liberty, which was due in large part to brave men and women who proudly serve in our military forces. Freedom is not, nor shall ever be, free. Protecting it bears a price. The price paid is not in currency, but in sacrifice. Sacrifice from the few, selfless warriors whose actions speak volumes—their dedication without reserve. They are the sons and daughters of our nation who risk their lives to protect ours and the freedoms we enjoy.
They come home wounded, forever changed. As these wounded warriors return home, many face difficult times. Their fight continues long after their time in service.
What do you do for those service members who provided the blanket of freedom that protects us and has been physically or mentally injured? How do you ensure their sacrifices do not fade from our memory?
I asked myself the same questions and created an event to help spread awareness to the actions of our heroes.
On May 26, [2012] this Memorial Day weekend, I will execute a one-man, 100-mile run under 30 hours, circling around the World Trade Center to support wounded warriors and their families and to honor the sacrifices of our heroes who have shown the courage, commitment, and dedication that has been the hallmark and strength of our nation.
The height of the One World Trade Center symbolically represents the birth of America. It is my hope that my 100-mile journey is the first step to raise funds for the National September 11 Memorial & Museum and two other organizations that help assist our wounded warriors and their families.
As former Pres. Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”
Please help me support those who have fought for and protected our freedom. Together, we can show these great warriors the enduring respect they deserve.
Source: “Marine Runs 100 Miles in Support of Memorial, Wounded Service Members,” The Memo Blog, http://www.911memorial.org/blog/marine-runs-100-miles-support-911-memorial-and-wounded-military.