Each year, the Boot Memorial Hero & Remembrance Run recognizes the more than 8,500 names and faces of those who lost their lives through combat of service to our country since September 11, 2001.
Each service member is honored by a boot displayed on Ford Island, Hawaii, and volunteers take the time to send photos to the families of those remembered.
A photo Lamar County resident, Michelle Widner is thankful for each year.
“It is truly amazing,” said Widner. “It is just special that people still remember Jay and honor him.”
Her son, U.S. Marine Sgt. Jay M. Hoskins was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force and supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan. He was killed by a roadside bomb on Aug. 6, 2009.
“The volunteers spend countless hours for this project and it is just greatly appreciated.”
Boot Memorial Hero & Remembrance Run, formerly known as the Fisher House Hero & Remembrance Run, Walk or Roll, was started in 2012 by Theresa Johnson, to honor service members, by recognizing the names and faces of all who lost their lives through combat of service to our country since September 11, 2001.
This display has grown over the years to includes not only KIA, but also non-combat related deaths, training accidents and others. This memorial is to honor their SERVICE, not the way they died.
For more on the Boot Memorial Hero & Remembrance Run, click here
