Ruck march honors, remembers the fallen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Charles Rivezzo
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  For 6.2 miles, every step had purpose. The tribute itself was simple, but its reach washed over everyone who gathered to honor the memories of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country May 21.

With a note card featuring a fallen service member pinned neatly to the stitching of each 30-pound rucksack, more than 200 people participated in the sixth annual Gold Star Families Ruck March.

The term "Gold Star" describes a family member who has lost a loved one in military service.  The Gold Star first made an appearance during World War I. It signified the family's pride in the loved one's sacrifice rather than the mourning of their personal loss.

During the event's opening ceremony, one by one the family members for each honored service member stood for applause as their loved ones face flashed upon a projector screen.

"What makes us unique, what makes us truly the most successful military in history is right here in this room," said Col. Thomas Seeker, 821st Contingency Response Group deputy commander, during the opening ceremony. "It's all the people here, the selfless dedication to each other that makes us unique ... that is why we will always be the greatest military the world has ever known."

Patrick Sheehan, a Gold Star father who lost his son, Army Spc. Casey Sheehan, in Baghdad, Iraq, in 2004, served as the ceremony's guest speaker.

Sheehan spoke about what it means to be a Gold Star parent and shared fond memories of his son.

"Over the years, I've come to realize that all Gold Star families have one thing in common, we are all members of a club we did not choose to join," he said. "My son was much more than just a service member, Casey was soft spoken, he was kind and gentle. He was the consummate volunteer. Occasionally people will tell me, 'thank you for your sacrifice,' well I'm here to tell you, I wouldn't and I didn't. My son sacrificed everything."

The ruck march provided a venue for 45 Gold Star family members to connect with today's active duty service members.

"Last year, I hiked with a unit and spent most of the time talking with a father who lost his son in Iraq in 2004," said Lt. Col. Jens Lyndrup, 660th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander. "It was a time for me to talk to him about what his son meant not just to his country, but also what his death meant in Iraq. The ruck march is about showing respect to the families and their loved ones who paid the ultimate sacrifice."

All proceeds from the ruck march, which was sponsored by the Travis First Sergeant Council, will go to support the annual Gold Star Family Honor and Remembrance event held at the Marine's Memorial Club and Hotel in San Francisco.