In Jordan’s Honor, Ltd., a 501 (c) (3) not for profit charitable memorial fund that honors the memory of United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jordan Christian Haerter of Sag Harbor, who was killed in action in Ramadi, Iraq, held Jordan’s Run: Veterans’ Memorial 5K Run/ Walk on Sunday, July 30.
Prior to the race, which began at the Pierson High School in Sag Harbor, attendees heard from Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone, Gold Star Father Steve Xiarhos from Massachusetts, whose fallen Marine son CPL Nicholas G. Xiarhos served with Jordan, led the Pledge of Allegiance, Glen Rozzi sang the National Anthem, and Jordan Haerter’s mother, JoAnn Lyles, who founded In Jordan’s Honor, Ltd., read a blessing for the participants.
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The race’s start. (Photo: Nicole Barylski) |
“It’s an honor to be here today for this first annual Jordan’s Run. I was with JoAnn yesterday at another run, the Airborne Tri-Team, which is also part of the Suffolk County Veterans Racing Series, as this run is. We’re so proud that this run is part of the series now. With each step that you take today, you are honoring a local hero and an American hero,” Suffolk County Executive Bellone told the crowd. “Somebody that paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The sacrifices that have been made by Jordan, and this family, and JoAnn and so many others across our country are incalculable.”
Suffolk County Executive Bellone noted the importance of supporting our veterans. “The obligation that we have, all of us that didn’t leave our families and go off to a foreign land and fight for values that this nation represents, our obligation is to make sure that we’re doing everything that we can to support those veterans who come home in their transition back to civilian life, and we know that so many of them need that help and assistance,” he added. “This run not only carries on the memory of this American hero, it also works to support our veterans.”
After the pre-race ceremony, the over 400 participants made their way to the start of the 5K on Jermain Avenue.
Once participants made it to the LCpl Jordan C. Haerter Veterans’ Memorial Bridge, they were greeting by a patriotic cheering section, with American flags lining the start of the Bridge and bagpipers entertaining runners as they passed and the crowd.
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Jordan Haerter’s mother, JoAnn Lyles, who founded In Jordan’s Honor, Ltd., read a blessing for the participants. (Photo: Nicole Barylski) |
In the end, it was Troy Taylor, a 23-year-old Texan who works at Gubbins Running Ahead in East Hampton, that took home top honors, finishing in just 16 minutes and 25.8 seconds.
Proceeds from Jordan’s Run will support The Lance Corporal Jordan Haerter United States Marine Honor Courage Commitment Award and Scholarship to seniors who choose to serve their country through the military or law enforcement as Jordan had planned.
For more information about In Jordan’s Honor, Ltd., visit www.injordanshonor.com.
