“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” — Unknown
A Pax of 4 greeted the morning ready to move out from an alternative AO, Tabernacle Baptist Church. Once assembled, the Mission Statement and Disclaimer were recited. YHC then gave instructions for theme of the morning ruck — Carry On.
THE THANG
In addition to our individual rucks, we had our 40 lb. sandbag. Rules were simple; each Pax would take a turn with the sandbag on a rotating basis. The Pax with the sandbag could carry his ruck in the conventional manner. The remaining Pax without the sandbag would carry their rucks in a non-conventional manner of their choosing (i.e. suitcase carry, front carry, overhead carry, cradle carry, etc.). Sandbag would not touch the ground during this phase. The idea here was teamwork and communication, vital skills, especially to those who serve.
Route: Tabernacle Baptist Church rear parking lot to the National Cemetery and back. Once at the cemetery, the sandbag was left outside of the gate, symbolizing the burden we did not have to carry due to the sacrifice made by those in uniform. The Pax kept rucks on as we walked up and back through the cemetery, symbolizing the burden we must still bear as husbands, fathers and community leaders. What a sight – the road was lined with multiple American flags, and each grave marker had its own smaller flag posted. As we rucked through the cemetery, some of the Pax mentioned the names of family and friends who passed away while in uniform.
Upon leaving the National Cemetery gates, the Pax once again picked up the sandbag and returned along the same route and continued to Carry On. Total distance estimated to be 2.6+ miles covered in our allotted time. No Mary.
COT
Announcements: Sasquatch July 27 – sign up for this great event. Black Ops on Thursdays has a Rucking option – no ruckercise, just rucking. Meadows Park in Trent Woods @ 0530.
Pax circled up for Count-O-Rama and Name-O-Rama with YHC sending up a prayer to close out our time.
If you have not already done so, YHC would encourage each of you to take your family out to the National Cemetery and take a stroll through it. Take some time to explain to your 2.0s what service, dedication and sacrifice means. A little perspective can be a great thing.
Hope all Pax enjoys their day with their family.
Bitcoin out!