In Memory Of
Honoring Those We Have Lost.Supporting Those Still Fighting.
The In Memory Of Memorial is the heart of the Patriots 5K. It was created to honor veterans and service members who are no longer with us, support the families they left behind, and remind our community that every life, every story, and every sacrifice matters.
Throughout the event, participants will experience a series of memorial elements designed to educate, inspire, and encourage hope while ensuring that those we remember are never forgotten.
Memorial Speaker Series
Four voices. One journey.
Ken Aquiline
Semper Fi Mission
The vision behind the In Memory Of Memorial and why it was created.
Brock McClelland
His Plan My Grind
Why businesses and communities should support veterans and military families.
Lee Franciscus
Father of Marine Lance Corporal Dillon Franciscus
A father's perspective after losing his son, Marine Lance Corporal Dillon Franciscus, following his return from the Abbey Gate evacuation.
Keith
JT K9s
A veteran's journey through mental health struggles, healing, and hope.
The journey
- 1
Why We Are Here
- 2
Why the Community Should Care
- 3
What Is at Stake
- 4
Hope & Healing
One of the centerpiece elements of the memorial.
Flags to Remember Memorial Flag
During the ceremony, the memorial flag will be officially unveiled and dedicated in honor of the veterans and service members whose names it bears.
The unveiling symbolizes our promise that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Photographs of the unveiling will live here after race day.
Remember Their Service. Honor Their Legacy.
The Mile to Remember
The final mile becomes a living memorial where participants journey through stories of service, sacrifice, and remembrance. The entrance is marked with a large banner.
Throughout the mile, memorial markers recognize significant dates in military history, the founding of Semper Fi Mission, and other meaningful milestones. Families may also place personalized memorial yard signs along the route.
Memorial entrance banner
A large banner marks the entrance to the Mile to Remember.
Historical milestone markers
Markers recognize significant dates in military history, the founding of Semper Fi Mission, and other meaningful milestones.
Family memorial yard signs
Personalized signs families place along the route in honor of a loved one.
Educational memorial displays
Displays designed to educate, inspire, and encourage hope.
The finish
The Final Walk of Remembrance
With 720 feet remaining, twenty-two veterans receive and begin carrying the Flags to Remember Memorial Flag.
With 320 feet remaining, the procession slows to a solemn walking pace.
The final 50 feet become a Corridor of Honor, lined by volunteers, veterans, military families, and community members waving miniature American flags.
At the finish line, Chuck Ondo carries the memorial flag across, symbolizing our collective promise that those represented by the flag will never be forgotten.
720 ft
The walk begins
320 ft
The pace slows
50 ft
The Corridor of Honor
Twenty-two veterans carry the flag — one for each of the estimated twenty-two veterans lost to suicide every day.
Veterans Crisis Line
Dial 988, then press 1·Text 838255·Chat online
Free and confidential, 24/7. You do not need to be enrolled in VA care.
A visual reminder
White Star Memorial Wall
The White Star Memorial Wall gives families, veterans, and community members an opportunity to honor those they love with names, messages, prayers, words of encouragement, and personal reflections.
It stands as a visual reminder that every life represented continues to impact countless others.
Names and messages left on the wall will be shared here after the event.
Honor someone you love
Honor Someone You Love
Families may become part of the memorial by submitting a personalized yard sign displayed throughout the Mile to Remember. Include your loved one's name, branch of service, an optional photograph, date of passing, and a short message or tribute.
We use your contact details only to coordinate your family's yard sign. They are never shown publicly.
Brennen Sanders
Army · d. 2020
Brother, your heart was so big, and you are missed by so many people. Until we meet again.
SSG Adam Keller
Army · d. 2020
Staff Sergent Adam Keller, To a man who has touched so many lives. Thank you for your mentorship in anything and everything Army. Thank you for implementing the Army’s core values into my heart and daily life. We love you. We miss you and most importantly we thank you.
Frank Mastrangelo Sr.
Army · d. 1997
Thank you for your service Dad! We miss you!
James West
Marine Corps · d. 1966
James West was a brave Marine from McKeesport, Pa.PA. He is remembered by his family and friends.
PFC Michael J. Nemchick
Army · d. 1966
Michael was a brave soldier from McKeesport, Pa. He was 18 years old when killed by sniper fire Vietnam.
PFC Michael J Nemchick
Army · d. 1966
Michael was killed in Vietnam just 2 weeks before his 19th birthday.
Brett Witteveen
Marine Corps · d. 2007
Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. You'll forever be my hero!!
Joseph J. Molnar
Army · d. 2016
A son, a father, and grandfather. A Vietnam Veteran. We miss and love you so very much.
Johnny Westwood
Marine Corps · d. 2018
Thank you for your service to our country Johnny! We all love and miss you alot my brother! I know you're smiling down on us from heaven!
John Dawson
Army · d. 2020
Dawson, you always made sure everyone would make it home. I miss you, brother, till we meet again.
Sgt. Michael L. Schneider
Army · d. 2023
The 3rd son of four boys. I being the youngest was blessed to share my room with Mike. If anyone could make our family laugh it was Mike. He joined the Army at the age of 29. He served in Kosovo and Iraq. All those good times we shared I am forever grateful.
In closing
Why We Remember
The In Memory Of Memorial exists because every veteran is more than a statistic. Behind every name is a family. Behind every uniform is a story. Behind every sacrifice is a legacy that deserves to be remembered.
Our hope is that every person who visits this page—or experiences the memorial in person—leaves inspired to honor those we have lost, support those who are still fighting, and ensure that no veteran or military family walks alone.