By DOUG OTTO
The annual New Jersey Run for the Fallen will take place in Cape May County on Thursday, including stops in Ocean City.
Ocean City’s American Legion Morvay-Miley Post 524 has been an integral part of the event since its inception 11 years ago.
The New Jersey Run for the Fallen is an organization of military runners and support crew whose mission is clear: To run one mile for each New Jersey service member who has died during the global war on terrorism.
Each mile of sweat and pain, and each flag saluted, is to pay homage to one service member’s life and their family.
The last Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday of September, they run across New Jersey to raise awareness of those who have died, to rejuvenate their memories and keep their spirits alive, to support organizations that aid the families of those killed, and to aid in the healing process for New Jersey residents whose lives have been affected by the war.
Although they visibly run one mile to honor and remember each fallen hero from the current conflicts, the total run represents every service member from New Jersey who laid down their lives for freedom's cause.
Thousands have sacrificed to preserve our way of life. As you give tribute to a particular hero, please remember others who have given the ultimate sacrifice throughout history.
New Jersey, being rich in the foundation of this country, has given 16,408 of her sons and daughters.
Regardless of war or conflict, branch of service or method of death, they ultimately run for them all, honoring their service and sacrifice, and remembering that they each gave up a future so that we could have ours. They give tribute to them by name wherever possible and to the sacrifice of the families they left behind.
The opening ceremony will be held on Wednesday at The Naval Air Station Museum, 500 Forrestal Road, Cape May Airport, at 4:45 p.m.
On Thursday, the runners will depart from Sunset Beach, 502 Sunset Blvd., Cape May Point, and stop to visit 72 Hero Markers located throughout Cape May County honoring the men and women who gave their lives for our country.
Cape May County residents and visitors are encouraged to gather at a marker to pay respects and honor the sacrifices made by these fallen American heroes.
A complete list of the Hero Markers and the times of arrival by the runners can be found on the website
www.njrunforthefallen.org.
There are 12 markers in Ocean City, and the runners will arrive and pay honor at each site at the times listed below.
American Legion Post 524 will also host a Thursday evening dinner for the Gold Star Families, the Run Team and the Run Support Team at the 46th Street and West Avenue location.
