Boot Memorial Remembrance 8K Run, Walk or Roll

I created this event while stationed with my husband in Hawaii a few years after his deployment with the 101st Airborne Division. Upon returning from deployment, I found that many of our Service Members were dealing with wounds both physically and mentally. The toll the war takes is not just on the battlefield. In my line of work, I was able to interact with Families of the Fallen, as well as those who were ill or injured, and the Battle Buddies left behind. They were experiencing a significant loss and needed more. After seeing this need and personally knowing the impact war had on my family and our friends, I was inspired to find a way to help and to keep the memories of those who had died alive through the legacy they left behind through their family and friends. They were not just "The Fallen"; they were sons, daughters, husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, and friends who were deeply missed by all.

I wanted to create a place to acknowledge the names and faces and provide a safe space to share the stories of those who knew them and loved them. To begin a new journey of healing through them, and this event is precisely what was needed; it has continued to evolve each year. It has become a fantastic place of healing, community, and connection with the past and present for those who come seeking the names and faces of those they served alongside of, as well as for those who happen upon the beautiful display in a random field, with the flags whispering in the wind.

Thousands of stories have emerged over the years from those who have served alongside these heroes. Many have been healing for those who shared and have been goldmines of treasures for the families who thought they would never hear from their loved ones again. Families and Battle Buddies have been connected through this event, and new friendships have begun. Words can not express the emotions and feelings that you will experience during your time at this event.

Whether you choose to volunteer a few hours to prepare boots, help with the display, run as a group with with your family or spend a few moments alone with your thoughts as you go past all the names and faces of more than 9000 Fallen Services Members, I promise you it will be an expeience you will be talking about for years to come. You will want to come back again.

We honor all Service Members who have lost their lives during their combat service as well as those who have died during training missions, injury or illness, or other unfortunate incidents that followed them long after they returned. They are honored here for the way they lived and served. Every loss is traumatic, and they are loved and missed by someone. We are here to provide comfort to our Military Community.

This is our 13th year honoring our Fallen Service Members by creating an event that brings back the names and faces of all Service Members who lost their lives since 9/11. This is a "no cost" event, these fallen service members have already paid the price.

There is a boot with a picture of a fallen service member on it that will line the 8K route. Once the event is over, the boots will be reassembled on Historic Ford Island, located at the corner of Enterprise & O'Kane, and will remain on display until September 13, 2025. This event will allow everyone an opportunity to look through the boots to find the names and pictures of loved ones.

This is one display that will leave you breathless when you see them all in one location. The visual of the sacrifice made on our behalf, as well as the number of family and friends left behind can be overwhelming. Bring a camera; you'll want to take pictures. This event will be open to everyone with proper base access credentials.

It will be open 24/7 for visitors and photos. We will have volunteers to assist you in finding your loved ones throughout the week. All boots are color-coded by year. This is a military installation; everyone, including all non-military ID card holders, are subject to search per base regulations.

We encourage everyone to come out and support this event in any capacity you can. The run is not a timed event; we welcome spectators along the route to wave flags and cheer on the participants. We will need volunteers for several locations. If you are interested in volunteering, please text me at 931-217-0800 or email me at [email protected].

We will have a "Patriot Guard" style escort and motorcycle riders lead off the run. Motorcycle clubs are welcome to join us, all riders must adhere to proper PPE based on base regulations, with no exceptions. Military units in formation will form up on the inside of the field. Once the Motorcycle Riders lead off, handbikes, wheelchairs, and wounded warriors will follow. Military units will then fall in, followed by the rest of the participants, with strollers and other wheeled devices at the end. All wheelchairs, handbikes, strollers, roller skates, roller blades, wagons, and small children's bikes are welcome. Please note that adult bikes are only allowed for rear-follow-up riders. Service dogs and military working dogs with their vests on are welcome. The military unit with the most participants registered online by September 4 will be awarded the "Traveling Bronzed Boots" at a presentation before the run at 0615 by the Starting line stage. We want to extend a very special Mahalo to the Command of JBPHH for their continued support of this fantastic opportunity to share the event with everyone. Mahalo to the hundreds of volunteers who come out each year, regardless of the weather, and ensure that every boot is perfect and each family is loved on. We could not do this without you. There will be an opening ceremony at 0630.

Info: Ford Island will be easily accessible with proper ID from 0400-0615 on 6 Sept 2025, since there is only one way on island we do anticipate traffic so plan accordingly. The bridge will be closed from 0650-0800.

Info: All parking will be on Ford Island as directed when you come across the bridge, due to the amount of anticipated participants carpooling and busses are recommend, There is no cost for parking. You should plan to arrive by 0500 to ensure access to base before the bridge closes.

Info: Immediately after the last participant takes off we will need volunteers to help pull the boots off the run route and set them up in the display sight on the corner of Enterprise & O'Kane where it will stay until 13 Sept. Volunteers are needed please.

Host or Publisher Theresa Johnson