Oakdale, NY - October 6, 2017 - Last week, Legislator William R. Spencer, M.D. was joined by Gold Star parents and family members, County Executive Steve Bellone, and organizations in support of our veterans to unveil the ceremonial “Road to Remembrance Trail” as part of the 3rd Annual Catholic Health Services Suffolk County Marathon. The 1/3 mile trail, which will be along a portion of the actual Marathon and Half-Marathon route through the Amity Campus in front of the Bourne Mansion in Oakdale, will be dedicated to the memory of 30 Suffolk County fallen military service members killed in the line of duty since September 11, 2001.
“This portion of the Marathon will be adorned with flags and pictures honoring our soldiers from Suffolk County who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, and will provide inspiration to the runners at a crucial point in the race,” said Legislator Spencer. “Thank you to Andrew Dalby, a Marine Veteran and operating room nurse at Huntington Hospital who brought this idea to my attention so we could incorporate this moving tribute into the annual event.”
The Suffolk County Marathon was created to help raise critical funds needed to support organizations that cater to the needs of veterans in the County. To date, more than $300,000 have been raised and all proceeds distributed to a wide range of veteran service organizations committed to improving the quality of life for veterans. The 3rd Annual CHS Suffolk County Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 29, 2017.
“Suffolk County, the proud home of more veterans than any other county in New York, has a unique responsibility to serve those veterans and their families. Information, education and awareness are key to delivering the very highest level of service to them,” said Tom Ronayne, Director of Veterans Services for Suffolk County. “The Road to Remembrance allows us to see the photos of our fallen, and be reminded of not only their service to our nation and community, but also the sacrifices they and their families have made, which is enormously important.”
The trail is being sponsored by Suffolk County Legislators William Spencer, Bridget Fleming, Kate Browning, Kara Hahn, Sarah Anker, Rob Calarco, Bill Lindsay, Tom Cilmi, Tom Barraga, DuWayne Gregory, and Steve Stern.
If you’d like to support our veterans by participating, there are many opportunities including a 5k, half-marathon, full-marathon, 4-runner relay, and even a virtual run! Visit www.suffolkmarathon.com for details.