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.
-
Henry Co judge orders HVAC contractor to pay victims $10K or face jail time
A judge has ordered an HVAC contractor to pay back every penny he stole from a Henry County couple in October 2024.
Amber Alert expansion bill passes committee unanimously after teen's death
Legislation to expand Indiana's Amber Alert system passed unanimously out of committee Tuesday, a victory for lawmakers and family pushing for child safety reforms after the death of Hailey Buzbee.
Plainfield Police Department temporarily closed due to plumbing issues
The Plainfield Police Department announced Monday that its administrative offices will be closed until further notice due to unexpected plumbing problems at the department's main building.
Tax season underway: Experts say preparation now can mean bigger refunds later
Tax season is officially underway, and experts say the biggest mistakes happen long before taxpayers ever hit submit.
