Annual SALUTE Memorial Day weekend Walk/Run takes a fun new approach
Planning is underway to bring a new twist to one of the area’s top traditions - the annual SALUTE, INC. Memorial Day Weekend Fundraising Walk/Run. The Palatine-based nonprofit that supports military veterans and their families during times of need, is coming up with a new approach to the traditional event.
“It’s our duty to step up and assist those who served our country,” said SALUTE Executive Director Mary Beth Beiersdorf. “While this event has always served as a great introduction to who we are and what we do, this year we want to honor and remember the veterans we all know while having a great time together with families and friends.”
The SALUTE, INC. Honor and Remember Walk/Run will take place on May 25 but moves to a new location with a new format.
The Memorial Day weekend celebration will take place at Lake Arlington (2201 Windsor Drive) in Arlington Heights. Beginning at 8:00 a.m., the event will feature a 2-mile Honor Walk and a 4-mile Remember Run. Registration is now open at raceroster.com/events/2024/85049/2024-salute-inc. As always, packet pick-up, which includes a lightweight hat that runners and walkers will appreciate on sunny days, will take place at Runners High “n Tri in downtown Arlington Heights on May 24.
“We had great success over the holidays with our veterans’ trees at the Arlington Heights and Ela libraries where families could create an ornament to pay tribute to a family member who served in the military,” said Beiersdorf. “So as part of our Honor and Remember Walk/Run, we’ll also be offering “In Honor Of’ and “In Memory Of’ yard signs that will commemorate the veterans in your life.”
The Honor sign will celebrate a special military member or veteran while the Remember signs will celebrate the memory of a loved one who served in the military. Both will be placed along the 2-mile course for all participants to see. Registrants will have the option to order signs during the registration process, providing the military member’s name, branch of service, and a picture. SALUTE will then print the signs and place them at the event. Signs can be ordered via the registration link, but the deadline for ordering is May 8.
The Honor and Remember Walk/Run is open to participants of all ages, including kids. SALUTE encourages family and workplace team participation in the event.
To learn more about SALUTE, INC., visit saluteinc.org.