Photo by Charmain Z. Brackett Runners make the final lap of the Marine Tribute to the Fallen began around 2 p.m. Nov. 7. A massive formation of service members circled Barton Field's track bearing their units' guidons in honor of those who've given their lives in support of the war against terrorism.

The final lap of the Marine Tribute to the Fallen began around 2 p.m. Nov. 7. Not only did it include the Marines who ran for 462 consecutive hours, but there was a contingent from the Navy Information Operations Command and several Army units.

"We are here to pay tribute to the fallen Marines and Sailors," said Capt. John Fisher, NAVIOCOM commander.

Memorials often evoke images of cold granite or marble statues, he said, but this memorial is different.

"This is a living memorial," he said.

The tribute run began on Oct. 19, and at least one Marine or Sailor was on the track for the entire event. As runners left the field during the event, they would hand off a pouch of ammunition. On Nov. 7, that pouch was delivered to the Marine Corps firing squad which used them in a salute to the fallen.

"The history of the U.S. has been written in blood," said Maj. Juan Rivera, Marine Corps Company D commander. "The Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors should never be forgotten."

During the run, Marines and Sailors ran a lap for each of the 1,095 Marines and Sailors who've died since the fighting began. They ran in the rain, the cold of the wee hours of the morning and in the heat of the day. The entire event covered nearly 3,200 miles.

Lance Cpl. Michael Pratt was recognized during the ceremony as the Ironman for running 108 miles.