PHOENIX – wear blue: run to remember and Wounded Warrior Project united at the Rock ’n’ Roll Arizona Half Marathon to create a powerful space of remembrance and healing through the wear blue Mile, honoring fallen service members while supporting wounded warriors, their families, and the broader military community.
Honoring Heroes Together: wear blue: run to remember and Wounded Warrior Project at Rock ’n’ Roll Arizona
The wear blue: run to remember community came together this past weekend at the Rock ’n’ Roll Arizona Half Marathon to honor the service and sacrifice of America’s fallen heroes. At the heart of the event was the wear blue Mile, a mile-long corridor lined with Faces of the Fallen tribute posters, inviting runners, volunteers, and spectators alike to pause, reflect, and remember.
This year, the Mile was proudly supported by the Wounded Warrior Project, whose mission to honor and empower post-9/11 wounded warriors aligns closely with wear blue’s commitment: For the fallen. For the fighting. For the families. For many warriors, the Mile provides a space to honor the loss of their fellow service members while experiencing the support and connection of a larger community.
Planning for the Mile begins months in advance. Families from across the country submit poster requests, each telling a story of a life lived in service and a legacy that deserves to be remembered. Posters this year spanned generations, beginning with SGT Fred Brock, the first Buffalo Soldier killed in World War II, and continuing through the most recent losses of SGT William N. Howard and SGT Edgar B. Torres-Tovar, both killed in action Dec. 13.
As runners moved through the Mile, the race transformed. Footsteps slowed. Names were read. Hands went to hearts. Salutes were offered. In that half mile, the event became less about personal bests and more about collective remembrance.
Andrew Coughlan, Regional Director at Wounded Warrior Project, shared:
“WWP and wear blue working together during the Rock ’n’ Roll Arizona Half Marathon is exactly what should happen when serving veterans and families. There were so many powerful moments — from hearing stories of volunteers to watching veterans and surviving family members connect with one another. I know without a doubt that healing took place this past weekend.”
The Mile demonstrates the power of partnership. Together, wear blue and Wounded Warrior Project create a space where wounded warriors, volunteers, families and runners honor sacrifice, celebrate service and carry the memory of fallen heroes forward, step by step.
About wear blue: run to remember
wear blue: run to remember is a national community that honors the service and sacrifice of the American military through active remembrance. The organization unites service members, veterans, families and supporters to ensure the sacrifices of the fallen are never forgotten through programs including the Community Run, tribute wear blue Mile, Gold Star Youth Mentorship Program, Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program, and Honor Events.
About Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project honors and empowers wounded warriors who have incurred physical or mental injuries, illnesses or wounds on or after Sept. 11, 2001. Through free programs and services, WWP supports warriors and their families in achieving their highest ambitions and building a nation where they thrive.
