As IRONMAN racers make the final push up Riverfront Parkway and victoriously cross the finish line, they will have the opportunity not only to achieve something for themselves, but also to honor a fallen military hero.
Medals of Honor is a grassroots project to honor fallen military heroes and the families they left behind. They encourage runners, cyclists, triathletes, and others to participate in endurance type events in honor of a fallen American hero and then donate their finisher medals to the surviving family.
Founder Amy Cotta began her journey to start the self-funded campaign when her youngest son joined the Marines. “There are certain fears every military family has and those fears are: that we’ll lose our loved one in war. And that their memory, and their sacrifice and worst yet, their life will be forgotten.”
Medals of Honor helps to provide each surviving family with a visual reminder that “no soldier gets left behind,” that their loved one’s sacrifice is remembered and respected. Ms. Cotta’s plea to athletes is, “Make your medals matter, race for something bigger than yourself.”
Visit MedalsofHonor.org for more information about how to donate a medal, nominate a hero or register to race for a fallen hero.