This National Guardsman is running to support ‘fallen military and first responders’
"My team and I were at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon regrouping after rucking on the 26.2-mile course when the bombs went off."
In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon runners share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. If you’re running the marathon, you can share your story here.
Name: Bernard J. Madore, Command Sergeant Major, Massachusetts National Guard
Age: 53
From: Derry, N.H.
My team and I were at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon regrouping after rucking on the 26.2-mile course when the bombs went off. We ALL ran to help people who were injured from blasts.
Since that day, I have always continued to support our fallen heroes and their families, by participating every year in the Military Friends Foundation’s Tough Ruck (held on Saturday, April 16).
The event is held in partnership with the Boston Athletic Association and the National Park Service. It’s great to know that Tough Ruck participants are the first to receive B.A.A medals every year. I am rucking for the Tough Ruck organization and everything they do to support America’s fallen military and first responders.
This event continues to pay homage to our fallen heroes while recognizing and honoring how the military supported people who were injured from the blasts.
Taking part in the Tough Ruck helps me to deal with the memories that I have from being at the finish line that day, remember the people who were impacted by the Marathon bombings. It enables us to continue to honor the memories of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and way of life.
I have participated in this event for the last 10 years and I look forward to continuing to honor fallen military and first responders for years to come.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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