“It’s a simple project: Run one mile for every soldier killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom.”

That’s the idea behind Run for the Fallen, a cross-country running relay to honor those killed in Iraq.

Jon Bellona, director and founder of the event, came up with the idea to organize a team to run the length of America from California to Arlington National Cemetery — dedicating each mile to a different soldier who never came home.

Bellona was inspired to create this mobile memorial while coping with the loss of his best friend and former college roommate, 1st Lieutenant Michael J. Cleary who was killed in Iraq in 2005 — 10 days before he was due home.

Regardless of your feelings about the military, the conflict in the Middle East, or politics in general, this two-month marathon is a moving story — one that illustrates the very personal loss exacted on those whose sons, brothers, fathers, daughters, sisters, mothers, and friends were killed in action.

Sadly, the scope of personal tragedy gets glossed over in news reports of felled troops half a world away. It gets tainted by political views. And it gets overshadowed as people grow desensitized to the losses caused by this distant-seeming war.

So this Fourth of July weekend, if you see a runner planting an American flag with a soldier’s story by the roadside, give them a wave.

Spend time with friends and family. Grill those burgers, hop into that pool and bite down into that crisp, cool, watermelon.

But when it comes time for fireworks, take a moment to reflect on how very lucky we are to be enjoying these pleasures. And acknowledge how grateful you are to those who volunteered to leave these comforts and loved ones behind because they felt they could, they felt they should, help make the world a better place.

Editor’s Note: Run organizers encourage everyone to go out and run a mile or more in their communities on the final day of the event, August 24.

At the time this article was published, 4,635 soldiers have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. And counting.

For more info on the event, and how you can support the cause, see www.runforthefallen.org.

Technorati Tags: Run for the Fallen, 1st Lieutenant Michael J. Cleary, Operation Iraqi Freedom, killed in action, Jon Bellona, Michael Cleary, Hamilton College, Dallas Pennsylvania, Fourth of July, 4th of July, honor soldiers, cross-country relay race, memorial, Arlington National Cemetary, Taji, Iraq, watermelon

Photo Credits: Run For the Fallen and iStockPhoto

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