Run for the Fallen: Honoring Maine’s Deceased War Heroes and their Families

By Scott Andrews
and Larry Favinger

Staff Columnists
CAPE ELIZABETH—
Former President George W. Bush joined several hundred who gathered Sunday for a lobster bake at Fort Williams Park, the culmination of the third annual Run For The Fallen, a yearly event that commemorates the 65 Maine soldiers who died in Iraq and Afghanistan and honors their families.
The 65-kilometer run began early Sunday morning in Ogunquit and wrapped up by mid-afternoon at Monument Square in Portland. Each kilometer of the route was dedicated to one of the fallen: 64 men and one woman who died in the military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan since Sept. 11, 2001. A souvenir program book, titled “Maine’s Fallen Heroes,” provided photos and written vignettes of the 65 soldiers.
Nearly 300 family members and loved ones participated in Sunday’s gathering. They were joined by several hundred friends, well-wishers and sympathetic Mainers.
The principal organizers of the Run For The Fallen hail from Ogunquit. “The purpose of this event is to honor the fallen heroes of Maine and to honor their families,” said chief organizer John Mixon.
Gordon Lewis, a volunteer from Ogunquit, pointed out that because of Maine’s large geographic spread, some family members of the 65 soldiers find it difficult to share their grief with others in the same situation. Each year the Run For The Fallen helps family make connections with others to bridge that emotional gap.
Some drove from Aroostook County and other distant cities and town. “By bringing these families together we are able to show our support and give honor to their fallen loved ones,” said Lewis.
Earlier Sunday morning Veterans Park in Ogunquit was covered with memorials to the 64 men and one woman with Maine connections that have given their lives in the battle against terrorism. There were approximately 200 runners who left Ogunquit shortly after 8 a.m., including Steven DeSalvo of Ogunquit, an Army veteran of Desert Storm.
He said he was taking part to “pay respect” to those who have been killed and to further “show respect for their families.”
Due to the length of the run, the group of runners was escorted by two trolleys in which participants could hitch a ride until ready to run again. The escort also included an ambulance and police cruisers in front and back.
“This is not a race,” the runners were told prior to the start of the run. “The whole point is to stay fresh” and “stay together” for the trek up Route 1 to Portland.
DeSalvo said he felt the run was an “awesome” idea and he was “going to try to make it the whole way” if at all possible.
The short opening ceremonies included the reading of the names of each of the fallen, followed by the single ring of a bell. There was also a 21-gun salute and the singing of the national anthem.
Bush, who ordered the American military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, was an unannounced guest at the Cape Elizabeth event. He and wife Laura arrived shortly after the lobster bake began and were warmly welcomed by all. The Bushes greeted and hugged hundreds of grieving family members plus many U.S. military veterans.
“I don’t miss the presidency,” Bush remarked. “But I do miss being commander-in-chief of these great troops.”
Photo caption: In Ogunquit’s Veterans Park, memorials to each of Maine’s fallen soldiers were placed for the opening ceremony. (Larry Favinger photo)

York Hospital’s “Family” Donation More Than Matches $1 Million Gift

YORK—
With 100% participation from the Board of Trustees and Hospital Leadership, as well as significant contributions from the medical staff, employees and volunteers, Jud Knox, President, announced that the York Hospital “family” has donated just over $1.2 million to the Hospital’s For Every Patient Campaign to raise $7 million for various hospital projects and services.
Mr. Knox commended “the Hospital family’s enormous generosity.” He added, “This is a testament to how caring the folks are at York Hospital. They are dedicated to taking care of our patients and our patients’ families and they understand how vital this campaign is to York Hospital and the community.”
In fact, the York Hospital’s “family” donation was inspired by a generous $1 million gift made by the Peterson Family of York Harbor. “We are thrilled that our family gift has helped motivate others to also give to this important campaign,” said Carolyn Peterson, ambassador of the “For Every Patient” campaign.
Additional donations, including a $250,000 grant from the Baldwin Foundation and a $100,000 grant from Kennebunk Savings Bank, along with gifts from many individuals and area businesses, have brought the campaign total to $4 million raised thus far.
“To date, donations have helped immensely,” said Lorraine Boston, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “The hospital has been able to convert many of the patient rooms on the Strater Wing from semi-private to private rooms, has completed a new, dedicated helipad for emergent transport needs, and has opened Phase I of the Surgery Center Expansion, but there is more to do.”
Fundraising will continue as the capital project moves forward to Phase II: which includes the opening of two new Operating Room Suites and the completion of the Surgery Center Addition; the addition of Breast MRI services to the diagnostic capabilities available in York Hospital’s Breast Care Center, and the renovation of the Hospital’s Biewend Wing to convert inpatient semi-private rooms to private rooms.
Dr. Thomas Albright, chairman of the medical staff campaign, said, “The generous donations of the medical staff validates the importance of providing patients and the community with modern, private hospital rooms and up-to-date surgical care facilities.” He added, “These improvements will position the Hospital well to respond to the changes that are coming in the delivery of medical care.”
Crystal Butler, chairman of the employee campaign, said she has been impressed by the across-the-board support from housekeepers to nurses to the administrative staff. “It’s not even about the amount; it’s about working as a family. People just feel like they’ve been touched by the Hospital in some way and this is a way to give back,” she said. Many donations also have been made in memory of others. For instance, more than $15,000 has been donated in memory of long-time Hospital employee Bob Masi, who died of cancer in 2004. Those who donate will be honored on a donor wall or with a naming opportunity.
Roberta Sullivan, chair of the volunteer campaign, also commended those who not only volunteer their time but have made contributions to the campaign, noting, “Our volunteers are wonderful people. We are so fortunate to have them at York Hospital because they truly make a difference.”
To learn more about how you can make a difference by supporting the For Every Patient Campaign, contact Susan McDonough, Lead of Development, at 207-351-3522 or at smcdonough@yorkhospital.com.