Too often, Memorial Day is viewed as only a long-weekend that kicks off summer, and a needed break from the grueling demands of our day-to-day. But it’s so much more.
As a cybersecurity company serving federal customers, Telos has the privilege of supporting our military on a daily basis. I am honored to manage a team (many of whom are veterans) that directly supports our customer’s mission. It’s a great privilege to provide these solutions and support to the warfighter as our “day-jobs,” but I think it’s just as important to remember these individuals and the sacrifices they make for our freedom when we’re off the clock.
For the second year in a row, Telos’ Dave Wagner and my husband Travis will be spending their Memorial Day Weekend participating in a two-day physical movement called the Ruck to Remember: 60 to 60. Along with 100+ others, they will hike the 60 miles from Harper’s Ferry, WV, to Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country, while empowering those who have made it home as wounded veterans. An additional 50 team members will join them for the “final miles” through the war monuments on the morning of Memorial Day.
One of the most moving aspects of the Ruck to Remember is the “Stories of Valor” event, a stop along the ruck where participants share wartime or personal stories of the individuals they are honoring – celebrating their lives. These stories truly put the weekend in perspective. The Stories of Valor event will be held at Old Ox Brewery in Ashburn, VA, on Sunday at 2:30PM.
Unfortunately, registration for this year’s ruck is closed – though, there are other ways to get involved. If you have a loved one who you would like the team to honor during the hike, please comment below to share your story. If you’d like to cheer the team along the mission route, they will be following the Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) trail. I’ve included a rough timeline of their crossing points below.
Sunday, 28 May – W&OD Crossing Points (target times)
0720 Charles Town Pike, west of Leesburg, VA, near Route 7 interchange
0745 Hamilton Station Rd, near Hamilton, VA
0900 Catoctin Circle, Leesburg, VA (break)
0945 Harrison St. SE, Leesburg, VA
1130 Claiborne Parkway, Ashburn, VA
1215 Ashburn Rd/Ashburn Fire & Rescue Station 6 (lunch on trail for athletes), Ashburn, VA
1430 – 1800 Old Ox Brewery, Ashburn, VA
Though I am not rucking, I will participate in a Memorial Day “Murph” workout, join the team for the Stories of Valor at Old Ox Brewery, and then meet the team at Section 60.
In addition to the physical movement, each year Ruck to Remember partners with several veteran focused charities to raise awareness and funds. If you have the means, please check out the donation website and consider supporting one of the charities, like Operation Enduring Warrior.
Whether or not you’re able to join in the Ruck to Remember activities, I encourage everyone to pause to remember our fallen heroes this weekend. It’s because of their sacrifice that the United States remains the land of the free and home of the brave!
P.S. Follow along with @telosnews for pictures of the Ruck to Remember throughout the weekend!
