There will be a lot of activities over the next few weeks to celebrate Veterans Day, observed Nov. 11. There will be parades, memorials in cemeteries, awards, recognitions, school programs and all sorts of things.
Perhaps the largest and quickly becoming the most visible of Veterans Day observances around here is the Honoring Our Heroes Marathon, run between Salem and Rolla since 2016, the year it got off to a cold but windy start. It’s a great way to honor those who serve and who have served our country, and since that first race the event has raised over $162,000 for charities that help veterans.
The event has grown – you might even say flourished – under the volunteers who have worked diligently to bless local veterans. The first year there were 230 participants, and a year ago 604 people took part.
Over the years, a 10K which loops around Rolla’s Veterans Park was added, and also a relay that features teams of four runners who divide the marathon route into six-mile portions then finish together. The Pasta Party/Expo in Salem has become a tradition, feeding and inspiring runners the night before as they pick up race materials.
Just last year an Honor Walk was added, and walkers between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. the day of the event view the Hero of the Mile signs as they walk the last mile of the course. There is a post-race party at Rolla Lion’s Den near the finish line.
This year’s event is scheduled for Nov. 16, a Saturday when everyone has the opportunity to honor veterans, whether you are a seasoned, world-class marathoner or someone who does good to take the short, slow walk along the Honor Walk. You can pick your distance, including the Honor Walk, 5K, 10K, half marathon or full marathon. Our you can carry a ruck sack, as there are 20- and 40-pound categories. Basically, you walk as much as you want for as far as you want, simply to honor and aid veterans. Heck, you can even take a virtual walk or run a 5K in your own neighborhood, all to the benefit of veterans. The fees collected for registration go to causes and organizations that help veterans. Every dime.
I encourage everyone to go to the website and take part. Even if you don’t want to run a marathon, honor a veteran by supporting HOHM.
One of Salem’s most popular and admired residents, Bob Gravley, had the vision for the first HOHM. He had in 2015 at age 78 just completed his first marathon. The Air Force veteran who retired in Salem wondered aloud at the time how nice it would be to have a marathon between his hometown and Rolla that would benefit veterans. You guessed it, Bob is a veteran who loves veteran causes.
He brought his idea to a neighbor, recently retired Marilyn Sweitzer, who had run 13 marathons. Sweitzer thought it was a great idea, too, and Honoring Our Heroes Marathon was born. Since 2015 there have been numerous volunteers who have not only helped it survive, but flourish. Sweitzer has been with the organization the entire time and tirelessly works toward its success. It became a 501c3 (non profit corporation) in 2019 and is governed by a board of directors.
HOHM has everything from donated bus service, water, bananas, lunches, massages, spaghetti dinners and cash donations to a course that offers snacks, water, electrolyte drinks and much-needed support along the route. There are volunteers from Missouri S&T Student Veteran Resource Association as well as nearby Fort Leonard Wood in Pulaski County.
This has become a regional event, and HOHM isn’t done yet. Sweitzer says she has big plans and bigger dreams. She wants it to continue to grow, obviously, by beefing up marketing – another story in a national magazine such as the 2023 feature in VFW Magazine – and having the best marathon in the area. She’d like to see a 4 Star Rating from Charity Navigator, a national organization that rates charities, and the route of the course lined with people waving flags, high school bands and cheerleaders cheering the participants on.
It's inspiring to see a cause grow and garner the support that Honoring Our Heroes Marathon has experienced, and everyone can do their part to not only make it a source of pride for our communities, but help those who have served and sacrificed for our country.
