FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. - More than 600 service members, veterans, and civilians participated in the sixth annual March for the Fallen September 26, 2017 at Fort Indiantown Gap.
The event is held annually to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and to support and build a community for those they left behind.
“Today will not be easy, this course will not be easy,” said Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general, during the opening ceremony.
“Always reflect on those pictures behind us; their sacrifice and memory will not be forgotten as long as we continue to do events like this,” Carrelli said in reference to a large memorial wall displaying photos of fallen service members.
The annual March offers four different events to accommodate both service members and civilians of varying skill levels, with events ranging from a 5k run to a 28-mile ruck march.
Participants could compete in each event in either a military or civilian status, and in a “heavy” or “light” category – with or without a 35lb. pack, respectively. Regardless of the event participants chose to compete in, they could walk, run or march throughout the course.
While the traditional 28-mile and 14-mile events weave through rugged, mountainous terrain, this year’s new event, a 28-mile hand cycle course, was entirely on paved roads and walkways. This enabled wounded warriors and adaptive athletes to also take part in the day's activities. Event staff plan to continue developing and growing the event in coming years in order to best accommodate anyone and everyone interested in attending.
“Each year this event continues to grow, with participants coming from Pennsylvania, across the nation, and even Canada. Everyone came together to remember those that we've lost in action, and to help soldiers pay homage and allow families to mourn their lost family members," said 1st Sgt. Randall Gilbert, Recruiting and Retention Battalion, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, and the Noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge of this year's March for the Fallen.