There are many events that go on throughout the year, some of which you wish would never have to happen.  One of those is happening this weekend in Fosston & Lengby, MN. 
Sgt. Matthew Harmon of Lengby was KIA over in Afghanistan on August 14th, almost two weeks ago.  This service in his home area will be this Saturday August 27th at 2pm.  The funeral itself will be held at the Fosston High School where he graduated back in 2000, with the processional leading family, friends and other attendees down Highway 2 East to Lengby where Matt will be buried. 
I heard about this loss fairly quick from my friend and fellow runner Gabe.  He’s also my chiropractor.  We talk running, health and general fitness quite a bit whenever we cross paths.  This path was via text message.  He sent it to me on my way back from Wisconsin to inform me of the news. 
I don’t know Matt, never did before either, but you feel for his family and friends that are dealing with the loss of this dedicated man who lost his life serving his country.  He was only 29 years old with a wife and three kids. 
I was contacted today with a request to attend the service in a different fashion this coming weekend.  Gail Straub who I’ve gotten to know over the past six months or so, owns a business (Best Things Ever) in Lengby and is setting up a support group of people to line the streets for when the processional comes to Lengby after the funeral.  Her request to me was to do a Freedom Run sometime during the events taking place in Fosston. 
It will be an early rise to help out with a 5K/10K event in Mahnomen that morning with the end of the day broadcasting a football game in Hillsboro, ND.  Thinking of the time it will take to accomplish this I agreed to it.  It’s going to be a quick scramble, but I’ll get it done to help honor and remember a fallen soldier from this area.  I don’t know his family, maybe know some of his friends, but that would be about it.  All I know is Sgt. Harmon deserves every bit of recognition he will be getting this coming Saturday, and I am honored to be part of it.
For those wondering or if you’ll be attending in any way, this Freedom Run to honor Matt will start at the funeral location (Fosston High School) on Highway 2.  My escort will take me down that highway east to the county road leading to Lengby.  Going past Gail’s business about a block and a half, a final turn will take me to the cemetery Matt Harmon will be buried at.  Depending on the time, I’ll be able to stop and visit with anyone in attendance waiting for the processional otherwise I’ll need to head out right away.  I do wish I could be on hand for the remainder of the ceremony but with other prior commitments that cannot be broken, I will need to pack up and head on the road fairly quick after the run. 
If you are in the Fosston/Lengby/Bagley area this Saturday, come help honor this brave young soldier.  If you’re not but you know of people around this area, let them know.  This Freedom Run will take place starting at 1:45pm and my estimated arrival to Lengby will be within sixty to seventy minutes. 
Old Glory will not only be flying high on my shoulder down Highway 2, it will also be flying high on the escort vehicles. 
Thanks to all that will be involved with the special (additional) run for 2011 to honor and remember another fallen soldier.  And thanks to Gail for thinking of me to come run during this event.  It will be worth every minute and every step.