In an apolitical reflection of remembrance, a team of active duty and reserve airmen, soldiers and Marines and will embark on a 150-mile memorial run in March to honor Arkansas service members who have died since Sept. 11, 2001. 

The “Arkansas Run for the Fallen” will kick off at Ozark City Hall at 8 a.m. Friday, March 15, and finish at the Arkansas State Capitol on Sunday, March 17. 

For the first 150 miles, each mile is dedicated to an Arkansas hero. The run team will stop at every mile marker, present an American flag and a biographical card in honor of that Arkansas hero in an effort to create a memorial trail across Arkansas. 

The runners will be active duty, National Guard and Reserve airmen, Marines and soldiers from the state of Arkansas. 

The final three miles on Sunday afternoon will be a group run to remember all of the state’s fallen service members. The public is invited to show their support and run alongside the core run team for the final three miles to the finish on the steps of the Arkansas State Capitol at approximately 2:10 p.m. The closing ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m. Nonrunners are encouraged to attend the closing ceremony to honor Arkansans who have given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom. To register for the final three miles, visit arkansasrunforthefallen.org/registration.php 

All proceeds above the event expenses will be used to raise awareness, honor the fallen and support the Families of the Fallen. The main focus of this year’s funds will be the Hearts of Our Heroes Camp, a summer camp designed specifically for the children of Arkansas fallen service members. This summer camp provides children not only an opportunity to learn, explore and create memories, but meet other military children who are going through the same struggles and understand the reality of not having a parent present due to their ultimate sacrifice for the country. Service members of the Little Rock Air Force Base and Camp Robinson also donate their time during camp as Battle Buddies for the Children to maintain a bond and relationship between the families and military. 

Arkansas Run for the Fallen also displays a memorial flag field in communities around the state throughout the year. The memorial consists of a flag and placard with a short biography for each Arkansas service member who has died while serving on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001. People are able to walk among the flags and read the biographies of the heroes that are honored. 

The group hosts special days for Gold Star Families throughout the year to make sure that they know they are not forgotten. They also provide scholarships for Gold Star children who are beginning college or technical school. 

The group’s latest endeavor has been to support the establishment of Gold Star Family Memorial Monuments in the state. The first monument was dedicated on Feb. 23, 2018, in Beebe and more are being planned in other parts of the state. 

Organizers encourage people in communities along the route to come out to honor a hero and their family. Find a location and time and come out to show your support. A map and detailed route information can be found at arkansasrunforthefallen.org/route.php 

To inquire about joining the run, learn about Fallen Heroes, volunteer, donate or sponsorship opportunities, visit arkansasrunforthefallen.org or email [email protected].