Run to Remember our Heroes

I love the Memorial Day Concert -- it has all the fixings of a small town charm in a big, American city.  Yes, there are other bigger and more signficant parades -- National Independence Day Parade, Cherry Blossom to name a few.  But this parade (that started merely five years ago) was created to pay tribute to Heroes like Jose Pequeno, and I am so grateful to witness this appreciation by so many and to also have the opportunity to serve my Country for which I owe my life and freedom to.  So let's march on....

 

As I ran along the Constitution, I was so motivated and inspired.  Fans waving flags, people from all over America applauding, dancing like the renowned Ballou High School Knights Marching Band looking crisp and sounding sharp as they usually do (when I drive by their school during practice).  Trumpets blaring the service theme songs making my head spin round and round.  I felt like a Million Dollars as I ran along with them, clapping and jogging in sync.  My run led me to the venerable Vietnam War Memorial. 

At the Wall, I could see veterans reflecting, embracing, holding back tears.  These images resonated so deeply and stirringly with me. Thank you Vietnam veterans for your service to our Country during this very important time, and I am sorry that it took a long time for America to say "Thanks."

Thank you once again... Thank you so very much!

Jose Pequeno -- My American Hero

Posing proudly with the Family

Running allows me to meet people I would never have a chance to see if only walking.  And today, running presented me a rich blessing in the form of a true Miracle.

It is such a honor and privilege to personally meet my American Hero, Jose Pequeno, his mother, Nellie and his sister, Elizabeth, just a day after they were all honored at the patriotic Memorial Day concert yesterday.

After the concert and being truly touched by their inspirational story, the first thing I did when I went home was read more online.  When I informed Nellie this, she pointed me to the website: www.caringbridge.org -- Elizabeth has journaled their remarkable story of recovery on Caring Bridge regularly and it was a wonderful and inspirational way to learn more about their incredible gift of love.

What was wonderful was that Jose looked great and was so strong. I knew that he could hear me and understand my true words of thanks -- I was deeply touched by their love, spirit and immense faith -- my prayers are with Jose, Nellie, Elizabeth and the rest of their loving family.

Running has changed my life -- and today, running has led me to a true American Hero -- someone who I'll never forget.  Jose, I salute you! Thank you Jose, Nellie and Elizabeth!

Posing proudly with my American Hero, Jose Pequeno

On the Steps of the Capitol to Pay Tribute to America's Best

Not since Inauguration Day, have I been so inspired -- this special music-fest in the steps of the US Capitol merged music, War Heroes, Flag waving and dramatic readings from Hollywood stars.  Particularly inspiring was the story of SGT José Pequeño who was ambushed in Iraq and severely wounded when an insurgent had tossed a grenade into his Humvee.  

José lost the bottom two lobes of the left side of his brain, and the doctors from Iraq to Landstuhl to Bethesda issued the grim outlook that it would take a miracle for Jose to recover.  His mother, Nellie, and sister, Elizabeth, went immediately to his side and remained there for over three years.  They kept the Faith and stayed with Jose through 17 surgeries and many different hospitals.

This year's concert celebrated the 200th birthday of the Abraham Lincoln.  And GEN Colin Powell called on all Americans to support the wounded and their families who need and deserve our support.

After standing proudly when the orchestra played Anchors Aweigh and clapping fervently as they played the other service tunes, I was motivated to head out on my 5 mile run around the National loop.  This time, I stopped at the Vietnam Memorial to honor the fallen and to read and cherish some of the momentos that families, friends and even perfect strangers -- but all Patriots had left behind to thank and remember.

What a wonderful way to cap off a terrific weekend that started in the birthplace of freedom