Category: SAL

The race committee for the 5^th Annual  Veterans Memorial 5K and Military Appreciation Celebration would like to thank the entire American Legion Post 29 family for helping host the most successful 5K and military appreciation celebration that we have ever had.   We could not have been successful without the support of the entire American Legion Post 29 family. 

I would like to thank Commander Walt Cusick and his e-board for the support and guidance that they provided.  I really appreciate the efforts of the ALR members for their efforts at putting on a bike ride and providing motorcycles to lead our runners.   The ladies auxiliary provided help at pre-pack, and pickup , registration and made a donation as well.  The SAL made a wonderful donation to the race, and the SAL members really helped with the set-up and take down on race day.    The American Legion members stepped up in huge way, by being volunteers; manning water stations, set up and take down, and clean-up; buying polo shirts; and being phantom runners.  A special thank you to the Social Quarters staff for
their help in selling shirts, tickets and helping with the pick and pack. They are our secret weapon. Needless to say we appreciate the legion’s support of our wine tasting and the Banks and Shane concert.   

Race day was a huge success with over 400 runners ( exact number still being finalized). The simulcast provided by the Army National Guard, their sponsorship and support was outstanding, – it was fun, entertaining, but also very inspirational.  We cannot thank the Marietta Fire Dept. and the Marietta Police Dept. enough for providing an honor guard, a medical team and traffic control.   The weather was great, and it was great to have legion members being our DJ and singing the National Anthem.  The runners enjoyed to the day with many saying this is the best 5k of the year. 

The Military Appreciation Celebration was awesome!  From the ringing of the Bell on the Square to the POW-MIA ceremony  to our speakers and the concert it was tremendous!   A special thanks to Maj. Gen. Tom Carden for his remarks and to Cobb County Commission Chair and retired Marine Colonel Mike Boyce for his comments. The Georgia Symphony Orchestra was tremendous, and we appreciate them donating their time to be with us. 

When you write an open letter, you sometimes leave someone out when you are trying to recap your appreciation for the help we have received.  I hope this is not the case here.  But the race committee truly appreciated the support from the entire legion family for your time, effort, monies, and participation in this years Veterans Memorial 5K and Military Appreciation.

The finances for the race and all of the money totals are still in the works, for we are waiting on some invoices in order to complete the accounting.  I hope to have a final number by the June 6^th general meeting. 

In closing I would like to thank all of our sponsors who supported us again this year, for none of this would be possible without them!  There are just too many to list here!  Finally, Peggy Beascoehea and I would like to thank our committee members who worked very hard to help make this event successful!  You guys and gals are the best! 

Have a great day!  Respectfully yours,

Peggy Beascoehea

Race Committee Chairman

Tom Bell

Facilitator

Our 5th Annual Veterans Memorial 5k Race and Celebration will be held Saturday May 25th, 2019. We have several events and lots of ways to be involved. Run, walk, sponsor, buy a shirt, donate, volunteer…