JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — More than 2,500 runners, walkers and joggers turned out in Jacksonville to support the Wounded Warrior Project at its Carry Forward 5K, an event participants described as more than a race.
For many, it was a show of support and a reminder that no veteran has to face their battles alone.
“I think this is a representation of just doing something together and crossing the line together,” said Olivier Martin, a veteran.
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Tim Easter, also a veteran, said the community has a duty to support those who served. “We’ve got to take care of our veterans,” Easter said. “We’ve gotta take care of the people that are taking care of us.”
Many participants’ race bibs carried the names of men and women who have served, including some who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Others carried weights to represent the responsibilities veterans take on while serving the country.
Veteran James Nadeau said he carried a flag and weight in honor of a friend he lost recently.
“I lost a friend recently. I carry the flag for him. I carry the weight for him, and I think this is just a reminder that everybody carries a weight,” Nadeau said.
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Dan Nevins, a double amputee veteran, said the first time he ran the race, several years ago, it gave him the chance to give back to his squad, especially the member who carried him 22 years ago in Iraq, where Nevins survived a bombing.
“I got to pick Dan Sneed up the way he picked me up off the battlefield and carrying me across this finish line,” Nevins said. “And that was it. A day I’ll never forget.”
Veterans said the community’s support means everything. Nevins said many veterans struggle to find their place at times.
“To know that the community still shows up and encourages not only them to come out, but they celebrate their service, that means more than any words or any postcard could ever say,” Nevins said.
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The money raised will support life-saving programs for veterans and their families.
Those who could not attend can donate here.
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