A woman and child during the 2021 run.
Vanguard Archive
This past Sunday, September 10th, Saginaw Valley State University held its tenth annual 9/11 Heroes run.
The 5k race began at 10 A.M. in the Ryder Center parking lot, following a half hour remembrance ceremony. The event was professionally timed, with the top participants in each age bracket earning awards for their fast paces.
This year’s event stood out from previous, as food trucks were present at the event for participants to get refreshments post- race.
The event offers students a chance to honor those who lost their lives during the attack on September 11th, 2001. Along with participating in the race as a sign of respect and unity, proceeds from the event go to a good cause as well.
Funds raised by the event go to the Travis Manion Foundation, an organization who, according to their website, “strives to unite and strengthen communities by training, developing, and high- lighting the role models that lead them.”
The Travis Manion Foundation, named for the late stLt Travis Manion, USMC, focuses on empowering and supporting veterans and their families.
stLt Travis Manion passed while on duty in Iraq in 2007. He was mortally wounded while protecting his fellow Marines. All other members of his patrol survived due to his act of heroism.
The Travis Manion Foundation held its first Heroes Run in 2007, which was organized by the family of the late stLT Travis Manion in Pennsylvania.
The run, which boasted 300 participants at its first opening has since expanded to over 90 locations with more than 60,000 runners between them.
Cpl Kyle Sullivan, USMC, gave his opinion as someone who has served his country on the event.
“The memorials at ground zero stand as a physical representation of everything that was lost 22 years ago” He explained.
“The run is a living extension of the memorial. Were survivors, friends, family, and the community gather to pay respect to those who didnt come home.” He continued “Without comunities coming together in rememberance, the memorials and the day itself would have little meaning”
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