Be a part of something special

Something remarkable is happening this weekend.
And you can be a part of it.
No, we’re not talking about the Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Association’s spring swap meet.
We’re not talking about the Arch Bridge Kroozers’ spring cruise-in around the Jay County Courthouse.
We’re not talking about Sunday afternoon’s kick-off of Arts in the Parks in the little park across from Arts Place.
We’re talking about the Run for the Fallen, an event that is ambitious, emotional and profoundly meaningful.
Beginning Friday morning in Fort Wayne, a group of runners will set out on a 144-mile journey to Indianapolis in honor of troops who have lost their lives in defense of their country since 9/11.
The route taken by the group will head south from Fort Wayne to Portland, then head southwest along Indiana 67 to Redkey and Albany, then on to Muncie and Anderson and finally onto Indy.
Every mile along the way, the runners will stop to recognize an Indiana soldier whose life was lost. That will include Andrew Whitacre in Bryant about 3:30 p.m. Friday and, before that, Nick Taylor up in Berne.
What’s your role?
Be there for them.
Line U.S. 27/Meridian Street all the way from the Jay-Adams county line to Freedom Park, where the first day of the run will come to an end. Cheer them on. Show your support. By your presence, show your respect not only for what the runners are trying to accomplish but for the soldiers’ whose lives have been lost.
When Andrew Whitacre was returned home by a Marine honor guard after he was killed in combat in Afghanistan, the welcome was awe-inspiring.
On Friday and Saturday, the community has an opportunity to underscore that welcome home and a chance to express its gratitude and respect for Andrew’s brothers and sisters in uniform.
Something remarkable happens this weekend. Be a part of it. — J.R.