The second annual Boots on the Ground event was held today here in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida. As a tribute to our fallen military men and women, over 1,800 boots lined both sides of Atlantic Avenue from the beach running a good mile and a half west to 8th Street. Volunteers began setting the boots out at 4 am this morning, evenly spacing them with military precision. I heard from one of the veterans how a storefront owner offered an empty showroom where all the incoming boots were stored and staging began. Many of the boots came in without shoelaces, some brand new, some mildly used. So besides lacing, each had a red solo cup inside to catch any rain and to support the individual flag that floated above it. Attached to each boot was a badge bearing the photograph of a military hero, his name, hometown and battle where he or she had fallen. Sadly, mothers had to make 7,000 badges and all those extras were displayed hanging from ropes behind the boots. Many families sought out their particular hero and discovered the boots and badges were set out/organized by year, beginning with September 11, 2001.
boots as far as the eye can see
note a few motorcycle riders on the upper left of the photo
boots and badges on both sides of the street
I learned the first year was just the motorcycle run. This year, there was a 5K/10K run/walk and kids' fun run, a silent auction, patriotically decorated motorcycle parade, geocaching, weapons display, postcards for families of the fallen and sale of American Legion brick pavers, Bruce and I did this, plus more. They expect next year's Boots on the Ground event to be even bigger.
It was a solemn occasion yet one filled with pride as we talked and listened to the families tell about the sons and daughters. As one mother explained to me, "When somebody thanks me for my son's service, it means the world to me, that he's not forgotten. As they thank me, I thank them right back."
For more information, please follow this link: http://mothersofamf.com/boots-on-the-ground-america-remembers/.
