2020 Memorial Day Virtual Run to Remember
Over this year’s Memorial Day weekend, people all across the country participated in our first Virtual Run to Remember, to honor the Coast Guard’s Fallen Heroes and raise funds for the Coast Guard Foundation’s tragedy assistance programs. Click through the photo album below to see pictures from some of our virtual event participants.
At Coast Guard Foundation headquarters in Connecticut, we honored all of the Coast Guard’s fallen heroes along our one-mile driveway, and individually, team members ran, walked, biked and worked-out from our respective homes, since our office operations are limited because of COVID-19 restrictions.
The Pavini family, in memory of BMCS James Pavini, gathered in both California and Texas to remember. Kristy Hedger, Senior Chief Pavini’s daughter shared this note with us:
The Coast Guard has always been there for us. They sat with us while we waited for news of my dad when the helicopter transporting him out to inspect a tanker went down. They held an emotional memorial service for him and Chief Blome after the crash. They helped with my dad's funeral arrangements. They honored my dad and Chief Blome with plaques and granite markers at the MSU Texas City station and the Galveston station. They have honored them both on anniversaries and then began honoring and remembering them through the Run to Remember.
I have to admit I was sad that it probably wasn't going to happen this year with COVID going on. I understood why but was still sad. Of course the Coast Guard figured out a way to make it happen!! My family was thrilled to learn that the run would be held virtually! I let my family know in California. My aunt walked in California at the same time we did in Texas.
Thank you for continuing to honor and remember the fallen NO MATTER what is happening in the world. It is testament to how important the fallen and remembering them are to you! The family left behind appreciates it!!
In Port Angeles, Washington, the crew of the CUTTYHUNK walked to remember the Coast Guard’s Fallen Heroes.
"It was over cast with a light drizzle, but that didn't stop us from completing our task. It was a great team building exercise and a great way to remember the ones who are no longer with us today,” shared crew member Kalani Shearer.
We look forward to resuming our Run to Remember events as soon as Coast Guard, state, and local regulations allow for it, but in the meantime, we are truly humbled to join so many to remember the Coast Guard’s Fallen Heroes.
Special thank you to Leidos, our 2020 Run to Remember corporate sponsor.
