https://www.foxbangor.com/news/item/44760-9-11-heroes-run-honors-the-fallen
9/11 Heroes Run honors the fallen
More than one hundred people took part in the 9/11 Heroes Run. The kid’s run and 5K honored first responders and veterans who have died.
“He kept saying he wanted to do a race with me,” said Kristy Holland, who was participating with a child, “and this race meant a lot to us. We have first responders in the family.”
The race was not only to raise awareness, but also raised money for the Travis Manion Foundation, which is in honor of a fallen marine.
Similar races take part across the country, helping the Travis Manion Foundation help communities.
“His story truly embodies what a lot of Mainers are like,” said Jonathan Kelley, the director and founder of CompetitiorMe who helped organize the event. “‘If not me, then who,’ they put their head down and get through the things that they need to.”
“If not me, then who” was said by Manion before leaving for his final deployment in Afghanistan.
At the 9/11 Heroes Run, the next generation was taking it upon themselves to live by that motto. A couple young boys said they were taking part because they wanted to help and do more for their country.
Also at the run were volunteers from The Summit Project. The project aims to keep the memories of fallen heroes alive by having stones engraved with their names carried across the country.
The Summit Project’s table was empty during the race, meaning all those stones were being carried during the run.
One man was there with The Summit Project to honor his son, who died in Afghanistan.
“My son’s stone has been carried thousands and thousands of miles,” said Jeff Hutchins, a Gold Star father, “and it means a lot to me, everyday, to know that someone’s picking it up and not forgetting.”
Sunday’s run raised about $3,000 for the Travis Manion Foundation.