INDIANAPOLIS — Seven members of an all-volunteer group are running for more than just themselves on Saturday.
Flags 4 Fallen members will carry American flags in memory of Karli Smith, Samaria Blackwell, Matthew Alexander and John Weisert, who died in the 2021 mass shooting at FedEx, Victor Gomez, Rosa Pineda and Pedro Pineda who died in the Greenwood Park Mall mass shooting and Michelle Beavers, who died from an accidental opioid overdose in December 2021.
"When we started in 2015, we were strictly first responders and military. And then about a year in I started to realize if we only did that, then we're really not reaching out to a lot of families who might not have the great support groups that military, fallen military families can reach out to and so it's just expanded out from there," group founder Richard Clark said.
So far, the group has carried 495 flags in 42 states in memory of those who died too soon. At Saturday's Christmas in July half marathon, they will surpass 500.
"The one thing I like to tell people is it's kind of a an interesting dynamic here, we're honoring people who passed away, often too soon, which is a very somber moment, but what we're really doing is we're celebrating their lives," Clark said. "I'm there with the families, and there are tears, but they're definitely tears of joy."
At the end of the race, the runners will present the flags to several of the families with loved ones being honored.
-
Roundabout project aims to help with growth in Bargersville
A new investment in the intersection of State Road 135 and State Road 144 will help improve traffic, reduce delays and ensure safety in the area.
Indiana not joining summer program to feed hungry students
It might be more difficult for Hoosier families to feed their kids this summer. As it stands right now, the state will not participate in SUN Bucks.
Support group offers hope and community for grandparents raising grandchildren
In the wake of the opioid crisis, more than 2.5 million grandparents across the United States are raising their grandchildren, as reported by Congress.
Parents express concern surrounding investigation at Brownsburg daycare
A massive investigation is underway, looking into a Brownsburg childcare facility. A former employee of Main Street University 4 Kidz is accused of child molestation.
