Marine Tribute to the Fallen begins

Since fighting began in Iraq and Afghanistan, more than 1,160 Marines and Navy Corpsmen have given the ultimate sacrifice.

Their legacy will live on as Fort Gordon’s Marines and Navy personnel and Augusta Marine Corps Reservists take to Barton Field for the 5th annual Tribute to the Fallen, which begins at 9 a.m. Oct. 16

“It’s important because all of us are brothers and sisters. We’re a Family. The Marine Corps is a small service,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jared Bean, operations chief for the Marine Corps Detachment.

During a Marines’ career, the service member will often serve with the same Marines at different locations, he said. Their paths often intertwine.

Through Nov. 5, at least one person will be running the 3- mile lap around Barton Field in memory of a fallen Marine or Navy Corpsmen. As the service member runs, he or she will carry a pouch with ammunition which will be used for a gun salute in the closing ceremony scheduled for 8 a.m. Nov. 5.

There will be a video screen at the makeshift headquarters with the photograph of the Marine being remembered during the lap. The event will continue 24 hours a day through rain, heat or cold.

“It averages out to about 20 laps per Marine,” said Bean.

There are only about 120 active duty Marines in the area, and not all of them can participate in the event, he said.

Marines don’t always run alone, said Bean.

“It’s open to everybody not just Marines and Sailors. Army, retirees, civilians, anyone is welcome to run with us,” he said.

And they often do.

Bean said members of the community with no affiliation will often bring food or come to walk or run. In addition, there is a 70 year-old retired Marine who takes to the field every morning throughout the event.