"World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of 'the war to end all wars'.”
Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word 'Armistice' and inserting in its place the word 'Veterans.' On June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars."
-US Department of Veteran's Affairs website
Every year, our elementary & middle school invites veteran's from the area to come and be honored. The program started by presenting the colors which was done by the Girl Scout troops followed by the audience joining in the Pledge of Allegiance. What happened after the welcome really impressed me. The gym was filled with elementary children K-4th grade, about 20 veterans, teachers, family & friends. All stood and sang "The National Anthem". Those kids blew me away! They knew every word and sang with pride and confidence!
Each serviceman & woman had the opportunity to stand up, say their name, which brand of service, and where & when they have served. Many of them thanked the kids for honoring them. One particular vet pointed out to the children that the war these men & women have seen is not like the ones seen in video games. "War is not just battles," he said, "it is so much more than that. The troops help other countries as well as protecting our own. There is a lot of good going on, not just shooting." A point well made, I thought. Another vet, my stepfather, got up to introduce himself. On a side note, he had been called by my daughter an hour before the program started, and was able to make it there in time. She so desperately wanted him to come. I never know what he is going to say. He is one the best spontaneous speakers I know. He went on by saying, "There is a young lady here, who has five children and has been walking the halls of this school for many years. She now runs marathons with a 3 x 5 American flag in honor of those who serve and protect our freedom." That was it, then he sat down. I wasn't ready for that. The woman behind me handed me a tissue just in time.
We sang patriotic songs, had a moment of silence, (I never thought a gym could be that quiet with that many children in it) and the colors were retired.
Later, it was the middle school's turn to invite the veterans to be honored. It was a packed house, filled with students, grades 5th-8th, teachers, family & friends of about 60 veterans. The band played, the choir sang, the Pledge was said, and "America, the Beautiful" was sung by a beautiful angelic voice of a 7th grade girl. All branches of the military were honored with song. Each man & woman stood when their branch song was played. There were WWII vets, Vietnam vets, Korean war vets, Desert Storm & Iraqi Freedom vets.
A sergeant spoke about his tours and experiences in the Army. He will again leave his family and be deployed for another year very soon. He wanted everyone to know how grateful he was to be honored like this, but to also not to forget the families. He said, "When you thank a vet, be sure to thank their wives/husbands, children & other family members as well. It is harder on the families who stay behind than the serviceman/woman who are actually deployed."
Another service woman stood and thanked everyone for coming. She said emotionally, "You don't know how this makes all of us feel when we get honored." We were reminded that Vietnam vets were not honored in the way we honor vets today. Isn't is wonderful how all are honored now! Even though, I think they could be honored even more...is it ever enough to thank the one who sacrifices to keep you free?
Members of the 8th grade class made the most poignant gesture. One brought a small table and set it next to the podium. Another draped a white table cloth over it. The next put on a vase with one red rose. The next put on a single candle with a black bow. Then a plate was placed with a lemon, and salt sprinkled on top, representing the tears that have been shed. The glass was placed upside down, showing that there will never be anyone drinking from it. The last item placed was an empty chair. Every item had meaning. The table had been set for the soldier who will never return, the soldier who has given their life for their country and our freedom. It was a table for the MIA's and the POW's. A moment of silence followed, and silent it was.
As we left, we had the opportunity to thank each veteran as they lined up in a receiving line. I was so ecstatic to be able to personally thank each one.
I was so proud of our school and how they took the time to set up such wonderful programs to honor these heroes. It was a good day to be a Patriot.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Patriot Run #5 ~ Blue Devil 5K
The University of Wisconsin-Stout dwells in the town of Menomonie, WI, where I went to school for two years and where my husband proposed to me ♥ It is only fitting for us to run the UW-Stout Blue Devil 5K. A beautiful looped course that runs alongside the Cedar River, through town, and through campus. On a fall morning, how can we resist?! As we came into Menomonie, fog was just lifting over Lake Menomin, the leaves were in full color and a perfect temp of 50 degrees.
My husband, son, and neighbors were ready to run the 5K. After our usual warm-up session, I unfurled the flag with about 5 minutes before the start. Instead of starting near the back, I decided to change things up a bit and start near the front. I also wanted to try to keep my son, Zac & our neighbor Nate, in view. Both boys are on the middle school cross country team that I help coach, and both are very good. (They placed 2nd ~Nate and 3rd ~Zac in the under 18 group)
Not much is said about the flag in the beginning of the race, but that's okay. I know it gets people thinking, positive or negative - they're thinking! Like the last race, there is a bit of wind drag. I still love the flapping sound. As we came down the hill to the start of the river, there was a small child in a stroller who got pretty excited to see the flag coming. The dad standing beside him, validated his enthusiasm and gave a little cheer. That's what I love to see - youth getting excited to see the flag, and hopefully to know that it's not just for decoration, it means something!
There was a moment I wished to capture and be able to play it over and over: Running alongside the mist covered Cedar River in the early morning sun with leaves gently falling, and flag gently flapping. Wow... wish I could share that memory video! A handful of runners passed and would say things like, "Good job!" or "Thank you!" ...puts a smile on my face every time.
As I made the ascent up to the bridge which led to the campus and town, I got to wondering where do college kids stand these days, as far as, understanding what the flag represents and how precious that really is. Maybe, its hard for them to truly appreciate our freedom, maybe not.
Coming to the last 400meters, I believe I saw something I'd never thought I'd see during a race. A group of young men - I presume it was the UW Men's cross country team - dressed as women, running together in the opposite direction, cheering on the finishers. They got even more crazy when they saw the flag coming..."Yeah! Go USA!!!" Definitely smile worthy ☺
I bettered my time by about a minute from the last race, and felt great! While doing the recovery walk, a man who also had just finished, asked a familiar question, "Did you run the whole way with the flag?" I love answering that one ☺ I walked inside the gym, began to unfurl the flag, and a woman caught me to ask if she could get a picture of her two children holding the flag. "Absolutely!" I said. The second time I began to put the flag away, a group of three college kids came up to me to ask the golden questions, "why & how?" I filled them in with all the details and told them of the blog. We talked for a few minutes, then went about our business
I realized why I was meant to run this race. It was to see that there are many youth of all ages proud to be an American, who respect the flag and who understand that it stands for something. Hats off to them! They are our future leaders. I pray for them.
One last thing...a very patriotic friend of mine, a veteran, posted something for me to see. It was Red Skelton's "Pledge of Allegiance. I have the link listed under the "links to check out". Check it out! In it, Red defines every word in the pledge. Here's what he had to say about the flag, "...Our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job!"
Thanks Red!
My husband, son, and neighbors were ready to run the 5K. After our usual warm-up session, I unfurled the flag with about 5 minutes before the start. Instead of starting near the back, I decided to change things up a bit and start near the front. I also wanted to try to keep my son, Zac & our neighbor Nate, in view. Both boys are on the middle school cross country team that I help coach, and both are very good. (They placed 2nd ~Nate and 3rd ~Zac in the under 18 group)
Not much is said about the flag in the beginning of the race, but that's okay. I know it gets people thinking, positive or negative - they're thinking! Like the last race, there is a bit of wind drag. I still love the flapping sound. As we came down the hill to the start of the river, there was a small child in a stroller who got pretty excited to see the flag coming. The dad standing beside him, validated his enthusiasm and gave a little cheer. That's what I love to see - youth getting excited to see the flag, and hopefully to know that it's not just for decoration, it means something!
There was a moment I wished to capture and be able to play it over and over: Running alongside the mist covered Cedar River in the early morning sun with leaves gently falling, and flag gently flapping. Wow... wish I could share that memory video! A handful of runners passed and would say things like, "Good job!" or "Thank you!" ...puts a smile on my face every time.
As I made the ascent up to the bridge which led to the campus and town, I got to wondering where do college kids stand these days, as far as, understanding what the flag represents and how precious that really is. Maybe, its hard for them to truly appreciate our freedom, maybe not.
Coming to the last 400meters, I believe I saw something I'd never thought I'd see during a race. A group of young men - I presume it was the UW Men's cross country team - dressed as women, running together in the opposite direction, cheering on the finishers. They got even more crazy when they saw the flag coming..."Yeah! Go USA!!!" Definitely smile worthy ☺
I bettered my time by about a minute from the last race, and felt great! While doing the recovery walk, a man who also had just finished, asked a familiar question, "Did you run the whole way with the flag?" I love answering that one ☺ I walked inside the gym, began to unfurl the flag, and a woman caught me to ask if she could get a picture of her two children holding the flag. "Absolutely!" I said. The second time I began to put the flag away, a group of three college kids came up to me to ask the golden questions, "why & how?" I filled them in with all the details and told them of the blog. We talked for a few minutes, then went about our business
I realized why I was meant to run this race. It was to see that there are many youth of all ages proud to be an American, who respect the flag and who understand that it stands for something. Hats off to them! They are our future leaders. I pray for them.
One last thing...a very patriotic friend of mine, a veteran, posted something for me to see. It was Red Skelton's "Pledge of Allegiance. I have the link listed under the "links to check out". Check it out! In it, Red defines every word in the pledge. Here's what he had to say about the flag, "...Our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job!"
Thanks Red!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Patriot Run #4 ~ Panther Pant 5K
How can I not run with the colors close to home? The small town of Hammond, WI holds a Panther Pant 5K every summer which has a good local turnout. Does it have the big crowds, or screaming spectators? No, but it was still worth running. Our middle & high school reside in Hammond, and Panthers are the mascot, thus the name "Panther Pant".
Jordan, my second oldest son and cross country runner also ran this race. We noticed there was plenty of room at the start of the race. This was new for us! At a half a mile into the start, a police officer was helping to direct traffic. He nodded, clapped and said, "Very nice." I felt good this race, even though the wind was stronger than I've experienced. There was just something about the sound of the flapping in my ear as I ran down that country road. The heart of America is not in a downtown metropolitan area. It's the quiet country fields with blowing grasses and whispering corn stalks, with wide open roads. What a perfect place for the US flag!
I had a couple of very small (but very important) fan clubs cheering along the way. One at the start/finish and one near the half-way point. Gotta love those cheering sections! ☺ We made our turn around and worked our way up a very long, but gently sloping hill. I passed a runner and heard him say something like, "Go flag girl!" When I reached the top of the hill, the policeman was there and in his car. He saw the flag, got out, stood at attention, and again nodded in approval.
Just a half a mile to go and all downhill, love that! I thought it was fitting to hoist the colors the last 200 yards. The elementary school principal was volunteering at the finish. He was the guy taking the tags. He congratulated me on a good race. It's always nice to impress the principal, right? ☺ Another guy said, "Wow, and that was with an added..." he finished by gesturing with his hands holding something. I kept walking past because I needed too. "...strength," he finished.
Our head cross country coach also wondered if my arms were tired after running as we met after the race. What people don't realize is the strength I receive from holding the flag. Instead of being tired or having arms in pain, I feel so strong, so blessed.
We ended the morning by walking through a car show in downtown Hammond. On two separate occasions I saw the phrase, "Freedom isn't Free." Once hoisted high on a crane, and once on the back of a t-shirt. May I always remember this simple yet meaningful phrase as I carry on with my daily activities in my simple life.
Jordan, my second oldest son and cross country runner also ran this race. We noticed there was plenty of room at the start of the race. This was new for us! At a half a mile into the start, a police officer was helping to direct traffic. He nodded, clapped and said, "Very nice." I felt good this race, even though the wind was stronger than I've experienced. There was just something about the sound of the flapping in my ear as I ran down that country road. The heart of America is not in a downtown metropolitan area. It's the quiet country fields with blowing grasses and whispering corn stalks, with wide open roads. What a perfect place for the US flag!
I had a couple of very small (but very important) fan clubs cheering along the way. One at the start/finish and one near the half-way point. Gotta love those cheering sections! ☺ We made our turn around and worked our way up a very long, but gently sloping hill. I passed a runner and heard him say something like, "Go flag girl!" When I reached the top of the hill, the policeman was there and in his car. He saw the flag, got out, stood at attention, and again nodded in approval. 
Just a half a mile to go and all downhill, love that! I thought it was fitting to hoist the colors the last 200 yards. The elementary school principal was volunteering at the finish. He was the guy taking the tags. He congratulated me on a good race. It's always nice to impress the principal, right? ☺ Another guy said, "Wow, and that was with an added..." he finished by gesturing with his hands holding something. I kept walking past because I needed too. "...strength," he finished.
Our head cross country coach also wondered if my arms were tired after running as we met after the race. What people don't realize is the strength I receive from holding the flag. Instead of being tired or having arms in pain, I feel so strong, so blessed.
We ended the morning by walking through a car show in downtown Hammond. On two separate occasions I saw the phrase, "Freedom isn't Free." Once hoisted high on a crane, and once on the back of a t-shirt. May I always remember this simple yet meaningful phrase as I carry on with my daily activities in my simple life.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Patriot Run #3 ~ Willow River Run 10K
Returning from a week long vacation in Colorado at 11:30pm, gave the family a good excuse to not come with me the next morning for an early 10K race ten miles north of my home. I don't blame them. They've been supporting my crazy goals all along, I'll give them a brake ;-)
One of my close friends met me in New Richmond, WI where the race would begin. It was a cool, foggy morning. I hadn't registered yet, because I didn't know if we would return in time from vacation. I took care of that, then my friend & I began our warm-ups and stretching. I grabbed Old Glory all wound up, just waiting to be unfurled yet again. We began near the back of the pack, as it was our first 10K for both of us. Knowing I was tired from all the traveling, I just wanted to enjoy the route and get my message out.
We chatted most of the way. It kept my mind off of the fact it was a 10K. Believe it or not, 10K's scare me. I love 5K's, half marathon's, and of course love the challenge of a marathon, but 10K's for some reason scare me. I think it's because it is run at a 5K pace, but twice the distance. I've seen some amazing runners come in with some impressive times. These Patriot runs, however, have a way of easing my mind of my own troubles, and getting me to focus on so much more important issues.
There weren't many spectators for this race. It was early, it is a small town. As usual, there were the runners who would pass us saying, "Good job! Thumbs up!" and "You get extra points for that!" It is always humbling to hear a "Thank you," as a vet would pass by, for it is me that should be thanking them. I sometimes clamor up my words because there is so much I'd like to say to them, but mostly I simply reply, "It is an honor."
Running past one of the water stations, the flag flapped one of the volunteers right in the face...oops! "Sorry!" I shouted back. They just laughed. There were gusts of wind at times, but somehow, miraculously, the flag was not difficult to carry. My friend held it for me for a few steps while I got a drink of water. (personally, I think she just really wanted to be apart of the patriot experience :) We finished with a relaxed time of 54:43.
A couple of days later, a man from the New Richmond Newspaper called me to question me about my purpose of running with a flag. We had a nice phone interview. He thought it was pretty cool. ~ The following week, I was at Wal-Mart. I looked down at the check out lane, noticing that a small picture of me had made the front page. A smile crept onto my face knowing that the message was indeed spreading, and that little me could indeed make a difference. And so, I continue to run...
One of my close friends met me in New Richmond, WI where the race would begin. It was a cool, foggy morning. I hadn't registered yet, because I didn't know if we would return in time from vacation. I took care of that, then my friend & I began our warm-ups and stretching. I grabbed Old Glory all wound up, just waiting to be unfurled yet again. We began near the back of the pack, as it was our first 10K for both of us. Knowing I was tired from all the traveling, I just wanted to enjoy the route and get my message out.
We chatted most of the way. It kept my mind off of the fact it was a 10K. Believe it or not, 10K's scare me. I love 5K's, half marathon's, and of course love the challenge of a marathon, but 10K's for some reason scare me. I think it's because it is run at a 5K pace, but twice the distance. I've seen some amazing runners come in with some impressive times. These Patriot runs, however, have a way of easing my mind of my own troubles, and getting me to focus on so much more important issues.
There weren't many spectators for this race. It was early, it is a small town. As usual, there were the runners who would pass us saying, "Good job! Thumbs up!" and "You get extra points for that!" It is always humbling to hear a "Thank you," as a vet would pass by, for it is me that should be thanking them. I sometimes clamor up my words because there is so much I'd like to say to them, but mostly I simply reply, "It is an honor."
A couple of days later, a man from the New Richmond Newspaper called me to question me about my purpose of running with a flag. We had a nice phone interview. He thought it was pretty cool. ~ The following week, I was at Wal-Mart. I looked down at the check out lane, noticing that a small picture of me had made the front page. A smile crept onto my face knowing that the message was indeed spreading, and that little me could indeed make a difference. And so, I continue to run...
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
4th of July Freedom Run
In planning our family vacation to Colorado over the 4th of July, I felt I had to search for a race to run on the 4th. How could I pass up such a patriotic run? The Freedom Run in Evergreen, CO, only minutes away from where we were staying, seemed to be the best choice.
On the morning of the 4th, my dad took me into Evergreen, over 8,000 ft elevation...much higher than what my lungs are used to, but I was ready. I mean, really, I had just completed a marathon 2 weeks prior, right? He dropped me off at the start site, which differed from the finish area, then went down to the finish to meet the rest of the crew. I signed up, put on my number, found a kind lady with a stroller to carry my shirt, and walked to the start line. It was a big race, one of the biggest on the 4th in the state of Colorado, apparently. There were over 600 runners/walkers.
I began unfurling Old Glory and a man approached me who was volunteering that day. He smiled as he said, "I'm so happy to see that you are carrying the flag! Every year for this race it has been my tradition to carry the flag, but this year I had decided to volunteer, so thanks!" He gave me some pointers about the course and said, "See you at the finish!" There were quite a few who asked me, "Are you going to carry that the whole way?" "Yes, I am." I would respond. (thinking to myself, if only they realized I had just carried it 26 miles 2 weeks ago) One little red-haired boy, in particular, asked me that same question as he looked up at me. I answered him and he said, "wow!" thought about it for a couple of seconds, then went on his way. He was so cute!
The race director began explaining the course to all the runners. He said don't be fooled by the downhill first mile. There is a couple of nasty hills before the final descent to the finish. "Ok", I thought, "I can do this. The gun went off and so were we. Downhill was right! We were in the Rocky Mountains...what else would there be? Along the course, there was a man playing bagpipes, men playing guitars, a whole choir singing patriotic songs, and quite a few spectators along the way, many holding flags and banners. The scenery was incredibly gorgeous! What do you expect from the Rockies? I want to thank the photographer, Cheryl Newhall, for donating the photos taken at the race. (Who, by the way, also served, and was happy to see the flag flying!) Nearing the end, I could hear the announcer and music playing. By this time, I was gasping for air...I counted 3 big hills, not 2...but I did it! (there is video of the finish)
Many people thanked me for carrying the flag, and as always I respond by saying I am honored to do so. The finisher's area was quite the party. There was food, booths, live music, a balloon animal maker, and of course, a jump castle. A couple came up to me to tell me they really liked my shirt, especially the back, which reads, "One nation under God". They explained to me that just a week ago or so, NBC was broadcasting the Masters golf tournament. They had put together this beautiful montage of photos from around the nation which were shown in a slide show format to the words of the Pledge of Allegiance. That sounds very nice, except they purposely left out the words, "one nation under God". Well, that made a few people mad, as it should, and they apologized the next day. See what we can do if we stand up? My hope with every race I do, is to find people who "stand up"; people who are thankful to live here in the US and who are willing to fight to keep it the way it should be. I have hope. It seems when I find these people, these patriots, it's a unanimous feeling of gratitude. Whatever it is that makes these people cheer, clap, chant, comment, or salute as the flag passes them, seems to affect everyone positively in similar ways. Imagine... One nation united under God...I can.
On the morning of the 4th, my dad took me into Evergreen, over 8,000 ft elevation...much higher than what my lungs are used to, but I was ready. I mean, really, I had just completed a marathon 2 weeks prior, right? He dropped me off at the start site, which differed from the finish area, then went down to the finish to meet the rest of the crew. I signed up, put on my number, found a kind lady with a stroller to carry my shirt, and walked to the start line. It was a big race, one of the biggest on the 4th in the state of Colorado, apparently. There were over 600 runners/walkers.
I began unfurling Old Glory and a man approached me who was volunteering that day. He smiled as he said, "I'm so happy to see that you are carrying the flag! Every year for this race it has been my tradition to carry the flag, but this year I had decided to volunteer, so thanks!" He gave me some pointers about the course and said, "See you at the finish!" There were quite a few who asked me, "Are you going to carry that the whole way?" "Yes, I am." I would respond. (thinking to myself, if only they realized I had just carried it 26 miles 2 weeks ago) One little red-haired boy, in particular, asked me that same question as he looked up at me. I answered him and he said, "wow!" thought about it for a couple of seconds, then went on his way. He was so cute!
The race director began explaining the course to all the runners. He said don't be fooled by the downhill first mile. There is a couple of nasty hills before the final descent to the finish. "Ok", I thought, "I can do this. The gun went off and so were we. Downhill was right! We were in the Rocky Mountains...what else would there be? Along the course, there was a man playing bagpipes, men playing guitars, a whole choir singing patriotic songs, and quite a few spectators along the way, many holding flags and banners. The scenery was incredibly gorgeous! What do you expect from the Rockies? I want to thank the photographer, Cheryl Newhall, for donating the photos taken at the race. (Who, by the way, also served, and was happy to see the flag flying!) Nearing the end, I could hear the announcer and music playing. By this time, I was gasping for air...I counted 3 big hills, not 2...but I did it! (there is video of the finish)
Many people thanked me for carrying the flag, and as always I respond by saying I am honored to do so. The finisher's area was quite the party. There was food, booths, live music, a balloon animal maker, and of course, a jump castle. A couple came up to me to tell me they really liked my shirt, especially the back, which reads, "One nation under God". They explained to me that just a week ago or so, NBC was broadcasting the Masters golf tournament. They had put together this beautiful montage of photos from around the nation which were shown in a slide show format to the words of the Pledge of Allegiance. That sounds very nice, except they purposely left out the words, "one nation under God". Well, that made a few people mad, as it should, and they apologized the next day. See what we can do if we stand up? My hope with every race I do, is to find people who "stand up"; people who are thankful to live here in the US and who are willing to fight to keep it the way it should be. I have hope. It seems when I find these people, these patriots, it's a unanimous feeling of gratitude. Whatever it is that makes these people cheer, clap, chant, comment, or salute as the flag passes them, seems to affect everyone positively in similar ways. Imagine... One nation united under God...I can. |
| "The crew" |
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Grandma's 35th Marathon (Part 2)
We had shed the garbage bags a couple of miles into the race. Thankfully, the wind was at our backs most of the way...that comes in handy when carrying a flag ☺ Though, if the wind changed from side to side, the flag had a way of mummifying me. Not a problem, I just kept running as I unwrapped. Temperatures seemed fine as long as you didn't stop. Once stopped, you felt the chilly wind coming off of the lake, once chilled, it was hard to get the warm back.
Coming to mile 17-18 brings the runners into Duluth, where there are more spectators, even on a day when it is upper 40's with a chilly breeze. The man from Atlanta had caught up with me. He was checking up with me, sort of like a father-figure I guess you could say. He asked, "How are you feeling'?" I answered, "Like I've been running with a flag for 18 miles, I'm finally tired, but I'm still smiling!"
The energy level rises whenever there are people cheering on the sidelines. I heard people shouting, "Go America!" & "Go USA!" as I passed. Some were holding flags themselves. People seemed to know me. "There she is! It's the flag girl! The American girl! You made it! We've been waiting for you!" What really threw me was people knew my name, who I didn't know. "Go Jean!" I heard several times. I'd take a quick glance, smile, and say "thanks!"
Seeing my husband around mile 20 brought tears to my eyes...he has a way of bringing out my emotions. I was at a point where I was pretty tired, yet so elevated that I had made it that far. It was a happy cry, and a quick one. I found it difficult to cry and run at the same time. He ran with me for about a mile and got to experience what it was like to escort the flag down a path of exuberant young volunteers during a water stand. "U-S-A...U-S-A!" they would shout as they held out their hand for a high five while the flag was held high in the other hand. There is just something to be said for a large crowd chanting in unison, especially when they are shouting for something you're doing...I just couldn't stop smiling!
Dan, my husband, ran with me until we came to my biggest fan club, my family. My parents had made a surprise visit. I had to make a quick stop for a kiss & a hug for them! So good to see them! My friend had made a large poster that my kids & cousins were holding that read, "Go Jean! You can do it! Thank you Vets!" Then...they picked it up and ran with it! It was awesome!
There is a hill around mile 22 known as Lemon Drop that anyone who has ran Grandma's knows of. I had to walk a few times before then because I knew at the top there was going to be a photographer, Paul Walsh, clicking away. One of the shots he captured is my profile picture...thumbs up and a big ol' smile! I wanted to run up that monster. It was almost as if the flag carried me up that hill. You could tell all the runners around me were pretty tired...it was quiet between crowds of people. But it was during those moments when I experienced such powerful messages. There was an elderly woman who had been sitting in her car, in her driveway, watching the marathon. When she saw the flag coming, she got out, hobbled to the front of her car and clapped ever so softly, yet her patriotism rang out loud and clear.
A man stood next to my husband, asking me questions, like, "How do you feel? Are your legs sore? Did you carry it the whole way?" Then he thanked me. He told us he was a vet and appreciated what I had done. He then asked to have his picture taken with me. I was honored and thanked him for serving. ~ Then a man from Germany, who had run the race, also was curious as to what I had done. He said, he didn't believe that Americans really knew how good they have it. He had come here many years ago from Germany with not much money, not much of anything. Yet, he was able to make something of himself. Something he could not have done in his country. He thanked me and went on his way. ~ My adventure wasn't quite over. I headed over to the place to pick up our bags. Apparently, I was shaking so badly, the worker told me to wait there, she was getting a medic. So, for 20 minutes or more, I was warmed up in the medic tent due to suffering hypothermia. The nurses there, unfurled the flag, took my picture with my phone, then rolled it up and laid it beside me. Fitting, right? I carried it 26 miles, and it lay by my side until I was well enough to return home. I help my country, and my country will help me... maybe it's a stretch, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Coming to mile 17-18 brings the runners into Duluth, where there are more spectators, even on a day when it is upper 40's with a chilly breeze. The man from Atlanta had caught up with me. He was checking up with me, sort of like a father-figure I guess you could say. He asked, "How are you feeling'?" I answered, "Like I've been running with a flag for 18 miles, I'm finally tired, but I'm still smiling!"
The energy level rises whenever there are people cheering on the sidelines. I heard people shouting, "Go America!" & "Go USA!" as I passed. Some were holding flags themselves. People seemed to know me. "There she is! It's the flag girl! The American girl! You made it! We've been waiting for you!" What really threw me was people knew my name, who I didn't know. "Go Jean!" I heard several times. I'd take a quick glance, smile, and say "thanks!"
 |
| Running with my husband, Dan |
Dan, my husband, ran with me until we came to my biggest fan club, my family. My parents had made a surprise visit. I had to make a quick stop for a kiss & a hug for them! So good to see them! My friend had made a large poster that my kids & cousins were holding that read, "Go Jean! You can do it! Thank you Vets!" Then...they picked it up and ran with it! It was awesome!
There is a hill around mile 22 known as Lemon Drop that anyone who has ran Grandma's knows of. I had to walk a few times before then because I knew at the top there was going to be a photographer, Paul Walsh, clicking away. One of the shots he captured is my profile picture...thumbs up and a big ol' smile! I wanted to run up that monster. It was almost as if the flag carried me up that hill. You could tell all the runners around me were pretty tired...it was quiet between crowds of people. But it was during those moments when I experienced such powerful messages. There was an elderly woman who had been sitting in her car, in her driveway, watching the marathon. When she saw the flag coming, she got out, hobbled to the front of her car and clapped ever so softly, yet her patriotism rang out loud and clear.
At times I felt like an Olympian passing groups of college kids. They'd be lined up with beer in one hand, and an empty hand held out in high anticipation of a high five from the "Flag Girl". I've never been to the Olympics, but I imagined that this is how it would have felt as one of the athletes. "U-S-A! U-S-A!" at the top of their lungs. Flag held high...not feeling any tiredness or pain at the moment, just pure exhilaration! At the end of the college line, a young man ran alongside me. He had a beer in one hand and he was holding his pants up with the other. He said, "That is so cool that you are running with the flag! Wanna beer? " I kindly said no thank you. (keep in mind he is still running beside me) Then he said, "well, I'd better go now cuz my pants are falling down." I said, "Okay, thanks!" What more do you say to that? That gave me a chuckle for the next mile for sure!
 |
| About 1 mile to go!
Coming into downtown Duluth gave strength to a tired mind. Every time I raised the flag, the crowd got louder. That's what I was after. The pure love for their country. My husband, friend & uncle made it to downtown to be apart of the cheering crowd. At mile 24, I was ready to see that finish line. About 1 mile away, we ran under a bridge which had people on it. Again, "U-S-A...U-S-A!" Plus some cow bells, got en grained in my head.
Finally, I rounded the corner to the finish line. Ahhhh! Raising my hands in the air, I was so grateful to have finished! So grateful to be done! Making my way through the finish line into the runner's area, many asked, "Did you run the whole way with that?" "Yep" ☺ "Wow"...
|
 |
| Finish line in sight |
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Grandma's 35th Marathon (part 1)
The race began and we were off. I needed to hold the corner of the flag for the first few miles so it wouldn't flap somebody in the face. When there is that many people running, it stays pretty crowded for several miles. Now if you can picture the excitement of thousands of people, most of which were wearing garbage bags, finally getting to start their goal they've been working toward for four months. Can you hear it? No Blue Angels this year due to the weather. Just the shuffling of many, many sneakers on pavement with plastic swishing, and a few shout-outs as we left the start area. I noticed a woman looking on wearing her military outfit watching the flag as is passed. I thought, "yep, this is for you!"
One of the first runner's to talk to me, was a man from Atlanta. He was curious, as so many were, why I was carrying the flag, how I had trained for it, and if I had done this before. He thought it was pretty cool, thanked me, and wished me luck.
Another man, who had run 13 marathons, caught up with me. We chatted for a few miles. He asked the same questions, and was especially curious how I was going to solve the problem of not using my arms like I normally would without the flag. The arm swing is a crucial element of running, especially long distance running. I told him that I simply alternate hands with the flag every mile or so. Then told me how his past experiences have been with so many marathons. He'd run Grandma's before and knew exactly where the "Elvi" were which we were quickly approaching. Anyone who had ran Grandma's knows what I am talking about. There are always more than one Elvis in a group somewhere before mile 13. There is, of course, Elvis music accompanying these wonderful performers. Any way to get marathoners to get their mind off of any negative thoughts (like the distance still ahead or pain they might be experiencing) is a welcome sight!
The first 17 miles are pretty slim as far as spectators, simply because it is not easy to get to these locations along the route. The weather certainly didn't help! But, when there were people, they were cheering, clapping, giving out high-fives, holding signs, ringing cow bells...it was a refreshing sound and sight.
It seemed that as one person would leave my side after a nice chat, another would slide in. I welcomed the conversation. What wonderful people they all were! Otherwise, all that is heard for those first 17 miles is the shuffling of feet on asphalt, and in this case the waves of the lake, once in a while. So picture this, try to visualize about 50 runners around you, all so very focused on their big goal, and the only thing breaking the silence of the beautiful North Shore nature is a hundred feet all around you shuffling on the road. Then, a spunky young gal came up alongside me. She had headphones on with her music pretty loud. She raised her hands to give me a double thumbs-up and shouted, "I THINK IT'S SO GREAT WHAT YOU ARE DOING! THAT'S AWESOME!" I gave her a thumbs-up back and kept running as did she. That kept a smile on my face for quite a while.
It seemed anyone that passed me, thanked me. Some mentioned to me that they were vets themselves and really appreciated my gesture. Others who passed just thought it was just plain cool! Some had seen the news report on TV. A Canadian man shook my hand and thanked me for running for America. He thought is was pretty cool I'd do that for my country.
Maybe around mile 10 or so, there was a group with megaphones, announcing how all of us runners need to repent and give our lives to Jesus. How we can all have a clean slate with Him. Now, I'm a Christ follower, but I don't know that this was the appropriate time or place to be telling these people, who were trying to run 26 miles and focused on other things, to repent and change their ways. A girl who was running with me, said to them, "I don't feel like being preached too!" I guess I couldn't blame her. My feeling is that, if Jesus were there, he would have been cheering us on to accomplish our goal, and loving each of us as he did it. One of the megaphone people shouted, "Did you know that someone died for you?" In no disregard to Christ, I felt like saying, "Did you know that more than one person has died for us! That's why I'm carrying this flag!" But I didn't...I just kept running.
Around mile 15 or so, I had passed a man dressed as Uncle Sam. He had something posted on his back referring to a political opinion. He had a wig and hat plus a red, white and blue vest with matching shorts. Once I was ahead of him, I heard him say, "I want YOU to marry ME! You're my girl!" I answered, "I'm taken, sorry!" And kept running... it did make me smile, though. I mean, how often do you get proposed to while running??
About a mile later, out of the silence I spoke of before, I heard in song format, "There she is...Miss America!" It turned out to be a retired champion boxer by the name of Zach Walters. We talked for about a mile or two. He told me how he had just retired, but might want to box some more because he loved it so much, so for now, he wanted to run a marathon. He was intrigued to learn that my grandfather, Francesco Montanari, was the welterweight champion boxer of Italy, Spain & France. You just never know what you might have in common with random people around you. One thing we do know is that in the USA, we are all united with FREEDOM!
As we approached Duluth, spectators who were sitting, silently stood, removed their hats, and covered their hearts. If they were in uniform, they saluted. No one asked them to do so, they chose to, without calling attention to themselves, just for the sake of being grateful for what this flag represented. This single gesture is what gave me goosebumps more than anything. So humbling. So wonderful. I couldn't wait to find what lay in store in the remaining of the race...
One of the first runner's to talk to me, was a man from Atlanta. He was curious, as so many were, why I was carrying the flag, how I had trained for it, and if I had done this before. He thought it was pretty cool, thanked me, and wished me luck.
Another man, who had run 13 marathons, caught up with me. We chatted for a few miles. He asked the same questions, and was especially curious how I was going to solve the problem of not using my arms like I normally would without the flag. The arm swing is a crucial element of running, especially long distance running. I told him that I simply alternate hands with the flag every mile or so. Then told me how his past experiences have been with so many marathons. He'd run Grandma's before and knew exactly where the "Elvi" were which we were quickly approaching. Anyone who had ran Grandma's knows what I am talking about. There are always more than one Elvis in a group somewhere before mile 13. There is, of course, Elvis music accompanying these wonderful performers. Any way to get marathoners to get their mind off of any negative thoughts (like the distance still ahead or pain they might be experiencing) is a welcome sight!
The first 17 miles are pretty slim as far as spectators, simply because it is not easy to get to these locations along the route. The weather certainly didn't help! But, when there were people, they were cheering, clapping, giving out high-fives, holding signs, ringing cow bells...it was a refreshing sound and sight.
It seemed that as one person would leave my side after a nice chat, another would slide in. I welcomed the conversation. What wonderful people they all were! Otherwise, all that is heard for those first 17 miles is the shuffling of feet on asphalt, and in this case the waves of the lake, once in a while. So picture this, try to visualize about 50 runners around you, all so very focused on their big goal, and the only thing breaking the silence of the beautiful North Shore nature is a hundred feet all around you shuffling on the road. Then, a spunky young gal came up alongside me. She had headphones on with her music pretty loud. She raised her hands to give me a double thumbs-up and shouted, "I THINK IT'S SO GREAT WHAT YOU ARE DOING! THAT'S AWESOME!" I gave her a thumbs-up back and kept running as did she. That kept a smile on my face for quite a while.
It seemed anyone that passed me, thanked me. Some mentioned to me that they were vets themselves and really appreciated my gesture. Others who passed just thought it was just plain cool! Some had seen the news report on TV. A Canadian man shook my hand and thanked me for running for America. He thought is was pretty cool I'd do that for my country.
Maybe around mile 10 or so, there was a group with megaphones, announcing how all of us runners need to repent and give our lives to Jesus. How we can all have a clean slate with Him. Now, I'm a Christ follower, but I don't know that this was the appropriate time or place to be telling these people, who were trying to run 26 miles and focused on other things, to repent and change their ways. A girl who was running with me, said to them, "I don't feel like being preached too!" I guess I couldn't blame her. My feeling is that, if Jesus were there, he would have been cheering us on to accomplish our goal, and loving each of us as he did it. One of the megaphone people shouted, "Did you know that someone died for you?" In no disregard to Christ, I felt like saying, "Did you know that more than one person has died for us! That's why I'm carrying this flag!" But I didn't...I just kept running.
Around mile 15 or so, I had passed a man dressed as Uncle Sam. He had something posted on his back referring to a political opinion. He had a wig and hat plus a red, white and blue vest with matching shorts. Once I was ahead of him, I heard him say, "I want YOU to marry ME! You're my girl!" I answered, "I'm taken, sorry!" And kept running... it did make me smile, though. I mean, how often do you get proposed to while running??
About a mile later, out of the silence I spoke of before, I heard in song format, "There she is...Miss America!" It turned out to be a retired champion boxer by the name of Zach Walters. We talked for about a mile or two. He told me how he had just retired, but might want to box some more because he loved it so much, so for now, he wanted to run a marathon. He was intrigued to learn that my grandfather, Francesco Montanari, was the welterweight champion boxer of Italy, Spain & France. You just never know what you might have in common with random people around you. One thing we do know is that in the USA, we are all united with FREEDOM!
As we approached Duluth, spectators who were sitting, silently stood, removed their hats, and covered their hearts. If they were in uniform, they saluted. No one asked them to do so, they chose to, without calling attention to themselves, just for the sake of being grateful for what this flag represented. This single gesture is what gave me goosebumps more than anything. So humbling. So wonderful. I couldn't wait to find what lay in store in the remaining of the race...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)