Running in Honor of Fallen Heroes
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It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that from
these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last
full measure of devotion, that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in
vain, that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that the government
of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address
Running In Honor of Fallen Heroes was founded in the weeks following the
2003 Marine Corps Marathon. Founder, Roland Bowler, ran the marathon
in honor of a Marine named Patrick Nixon. Patrick was a Corporal in the
Marines and he served in the infantry as a mortar man. He gave his life in
battle on March 23rd, 2003 in Iraq.
Bowler received the finisher's medal and drove with his wife Ruth to the
Nixon family home. He then presented the marathon finisher’s medal to the
Nixon family. Bowler felt this was the best way he could show his immense
gratitude to the Nixons for the extraordinary bravery of their son and for his
sacrifice for American freedom. The marathon finisher's medal now hangs
next to Patrick's other medals in the Nixon home. It is now a Medal of Honor.
As Bowler met Patrick's parents (David and Debra Nixon), and as he saw
the look of gratitude in their eyes, he became convinced that other families
would appreciate the same thankful gesture.
Organizational Objectives
1 - Spread the idea to other Americans that this is an honorable way to
recognize those who have lost their lives defending American freedom.
2 - Locate those wishing to run in honor of a Fallen Hero, while also
expressing gratitude and compassion towards the family they left behind.
3 - Act as a point of contact between the runner and the family in mourning.
4 - Final and Most Important Goal: Present as many families as possible
with Medals of Honor, creating long-lasting friendships along the way.
