'Because of the brave': Hundreds gather to honor fallen heroes on Memorial Day
A 5K run titled "Because of the Brave" in Montevallo shined a light on military lives lost on Memorial Day.
Hundreds participated in the event. Prior to the race, runners received a flag, and they were asked to write the name of the person they were running for on the flag. The flag would then be on display for future events.
"(The goal is to) come away with a new respect for what they did for us for our freedoms they gave their lives and as young men and women taking the oath of enlistment they didn't know what would be in store for them," said Communications Manager Melanie Poole.
The Alabama National Cemetery is next door to the event, and is the final resting place for thousands of people who served in the U.S. military. It will receive a portion of the proceeds from the race.
Gold star mom Adrienne Bourland said she looks forward to honoring her son every year.
"It's just an honor that we give to those who have passed on and are buried here," Bourland said.
She continued, "It's so important for us to tell their stories call their names we will never forget them."
