EMVF hosts 5K to honor military heroes
May 1—The East Mississippi Veterans Foundation is inviting everyone to lace up their running shoes and grab some water as it looks to host its Freedom 5K Run, Walk and Fun Run to recognize military service members.
The run, which will be held on Armed Forces Day, May 18, will begin at 8 a.m. at the World War I Doughboy Monument across from city hall.
"Meridian and east Mississippi have a deep and ongoing rich heritage associated with the military, and this event will offer participants an opportunity to show their support of this great legacy," race organizers said in a news release announcing the event. "We encourage race participants to recognize and honor a family member, relative or friend by wearing that individual's name during the event."
Proceeds from the run will go to support the East Mississippi Veterans Foundation and its efforts to build the East Mississippi Veterans Memorial Park. The park, which was conceived in 2018, is located near the entrance to Key Field on Highway 11, and consists of a static aircraft display and a wall of remembrance.
Future plans for the park include the addition of a freedom walkway, which will include educational information about armed conflicts throughout American history, as well as an armed forces plaza, which will recognize the individual branches of the U.S. armed forces.
Registration for the 5K run, walk and fun run is open at time2run.net. More information about the park, the foundation or ways to get involved can be found at emsvf.org.
Contact Thomas Howard at thoward@themeridianstar.com
