The war in Afghanistan may be drawing to a close, but it is still a very dangerous place.
Just this week, the Pentagon announced three more deaths, including one civilian contractor, bringing the total, by my count, up to 2,335 U.S. service members who have died in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the nation’s longest war.
And there are tens of thousands of troops deployed around the world, including about 1,600 in Iraq, which is also a very dangerous place.
To commemorate those who have made the ultimate sacrifice from our area, the 7th Annual Run For The Fallen/Tampa Bay will be held this weekend at Veterans Memorial Park, 3602 US Hwy. 301, in Tampa.
The two-day event kicks off Saturday at 5 p.m. with a motorcycle ride. At 7:30 p.m. there will be a candlelight vigil to honor the fallen.
Sunday kicks of at 7:30 a.m. with late registration/packet pickup.
8:30 a.m. Late Registration & Packet Pick up CLOSED.
9:00 a.m. R4F Ceremony in Honor of our Gold Star Families.
After that, the running commences, with 10k, 5k and one mile events.
It is a free event, says Cyd Deathe, whose Tampa Area Marine Parents Association is sponsoring it.
But there are T-Shirts for sale and donations are accepted to help defray costs.
This year, the organization started the Gold Star Siblings Scholarship Fund and is hoping to raise $10,000. So far, they have raised only 30 percent.
Last year’s RFTF drew about 3,500. Deathe is anticipating about 5,000 over the two days.
Aside from the run, the Fallen Floridians Tribute will be on display during park hours through Sept. 21.
For more information, or to make a donation, go to www.USMCFamilySupport.org.