Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1468000
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM MAY 18 - 24, 2022 UCW 13 Commemorative event honors the fallen by ASHLEY SHIRLEY EVENT Memorial Day weekend is often considered a magical time, a time for barbecues, judicious appli- cation of sunscreen and the long-awaited re-open- ing of the local water hole. But for many families across the nation, especially here on Fort Bragg, it is, first and foremost, a time to remember. Fort Bragg Family, Morale, Welfare and Recre- ation, in partnership with Army Community Service, will host the Fort Bragg Run, Honor, Remember 5k on May 21, starting at 7:30 a.m. is commemorative, family-friendly run/walk will occur at Hedrick Stadium on Fort Bragg and is open to Department of Defense cardholders and their guests. A tradition started after 9/11 to recognize the ulti- mate sacrifice of those lost in combat zones during that time; the walk has only grown in popularity and significance since then. e walk has been on hiatus since 2019 because of the pandemic, making this year especially meaning- ful for those coordinating the run. "is is one of our favorite events," said Jennifer Fayson, special event coordinator, FMWR. I think it is so important to reflect upon how many service- men and women have laid their lives down for us and remember the sacrifice of their families. It's especially important as we head into the memorial day weekend." Over 7500 pairs of boots will be placed on the field at Hedrick Stadium to honor those soldiers who never returned home. e boots will stay on display for the entire Memorial Day weekend. It's a sight Fayson strongly urges people to come and experi- ence for themselves. "It's so moving to see them out there," Fayson told Up & Coming Weekly. "About 175 of them have been decorated by service members' families. I think that's my favorite part." Home to over 500,000 active-duty soldiers, many families in the area know what it means to see a fa- ther, mother, son or friend walk out the door to serve their country. Many families also know that their loved ones' safe return is not guaranteed. e Run, Honor, Remember 5k is a time when the community comes together to acknowledge that freedom has a cost and give thanks to those who pay it. "Fort Bragg is a strong community and very sup- portive of our military in general," Fayson explained. "I love seeing the community come together. It's always such a large turnout because people want to show their support. ey want to honor and remember soldiers who have given their lives in the ultimate sacrifice." e event invites walkers, strollers, amblers and runners of all ages, fitness levels and abilities. ere is no charge to participate, and no registration is required. "It's open to anyone who would like to come," said Fayson. Family members, community mem- bers, spouses, kids—we invite everyone; it's a great event." e pre-event ceremony for the Run, Honor, Re- member 5k starts at 7:30 a.m., while the event itself is scheduled to end at 10 a.m. Hedrick Stadium is located at Sedgewick Street on Fort Bragg. For more information, call, 910-908-5977. ASHLEY SHIRLEY, Staff Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomin- gweekly.com. 910-484-6200 Fort Bragg's commemorative run/walk returns to Hedrick Stadium May 21 after a pandemic hiatus. (Photo courtesy Fort Bragg Garrison Public Affairs) Lumb e e Gu ar ant y B a nk .c o m Great news from Lumbee Guaranty Bank! Open a Lumbee Perks checking account, and get so much more than full-service checking and convenient banking. Our personal checking accounts come with benefits that save you money and provide peace of mind: • Free Debit Card and Online and Mobile Banking • Discounts on Shopping, Dining, and Travel • Fuel Savings • Cell Phone Protection • Identity Theft Aid • And More! Stop by our nearest branch, or visit our website for details on our Lumbee Perks accounts. Get Instant Savings Get Instant Savings with with