United We Run

June 10, 2002

In memory of September 11, the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon on June 23 will feature a relay team that will carry the United States flag throughout the entire marathon course. This act is a symbolic demonstration showing the strength and endurance of our nation by running and carrying the flag that Americans cherish and protect.

At the start of the marathon, Jeff Mirkes, president of the marathon will be the first member of the flag relay team and run while carrying the United States flag. At the second mile marker, Jeff will hand off the flag to another team member. This will subsequently take place at each mile. Each person on this team is a leader in the Greater Green Bay Community such as mayors, sponsors and college presidents. Special guests carrying the flag are: a New York Fire Fighter (Paul Greco) and the parents of victim Tom Burnett (Tom Sr. and Beverly). Tom Burnett Jr. was a graduate from St. John's University and was one of the United Airline passengers who attempted to overtake the terrorists.

The culmination of the relay team will occur during the last .2 miles when Cellcom's Patrick Riordan will cross the finish line carrying the flag along with a Military March. As Riordan crosses the finish line, an area vocalist will sing The National Anthem. The flag used during the relay will be incorporated into the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon awards ceremony. This relay team will also be accepting pledges for local charities and part of the money will also go to the Tom Burnett Alumni Fund at St. John's University.

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