If you have been following me or read any of my prior posts you may have garnered that I have a soft spot for those in law enforcement and in the military.I was raised in a military family with most being in the Marines.My father instilled in me at a very young age that you always place your hand over your heart when saying the Pledge of the Allegiance and that when the National Anthem is being sung you stand at attention and eyes on the flag. I grew up with a huge flag pole in my front yard and Old Glory flying with a spotlight illuminating her at night.My husband and I have carried on the tradition and a flag flies in our front yard just as it did when I was younger.
I sometimes tear up when I hear the National Anthem because I think of the sacrifices men and women in our military have made for my freedom, for your freedom.I’m fortunate enough to work for a company, Cisco that allows and even encourages their employees to promote and support causes near and dear to employees.
A fellow co-worker of mine recently sent out an email regarding The Ruck to Remember (60 to 60). The Ruck to Remember is a mission of remembrance over Memorial weekend as individuals join and become a team of patriots – Rucking / Hiking 60 miles from Harpers Ferry West Virginia through historically revered ground, over rugged terrain, roads and through cities. The team will descend into Washington DC in the early hours of Memorial Day morning – for a final sunrise ruck over Memorial Bridge into Arlington National Cemetery (section 60). Wow…I get tears in my eyes just thinking about this journey.The Team starts and finishes together on a humbling mission - remembering those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Not only does this raise money for a charitable organization but it has a huge visual impact as the entire group ruck their way to DC with Colors and guidons unfolded. Hundreds of people will ask where they are going and why. At that moment, if not already aware of the true Memorial weekend meaning, they receive a humbling education and walk away cheering the cause. 
Each year the event organizers support a different wounded warrior charity organization. This year, the charity is the Semper FiFund. The Semper Fi Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and its program are set up to provide immediate financial assistance and lifetime support for injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. They urgently need resources to post 9/11 service members from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserves. They provide financial, emotional, and tiered support for our injured/ill service members and their families through the following programs: Family Support, Adaptive Housing, Adaptive Transportation, Specialized Equipment, Education and Career Transitioning, Rehabilitative Sports programs, and more. This charity only has a 6% overhead, 94% of contributions go directly to Vets, and they have an A+ rating. If you feel led to support the event, please go to the following website and make your financial contribution (http://www.crowdrise.com/rucktoremember60to60/fundraiser/chrisbroadway) God Bless our Military, Veterans and God Bless the United States of America.
Blessings,Stephanie
