On July 26, 140 participants gathered to compete in Burr Ridge's 2nd Annual Run for Veterans 5K and Push-Up Challenge. The event was started in 2013 by Paulina Ozols, who had worked with local veterans and heard about the struggles they face when returning to civilian life after service. Ozols partnered with Burr Ridge Mayor Mickey Straub to organize the race and push-up contest. They designed it so that all entry fees, donations, and sponsorships go directly to the veterans' organization they chose that year. The 2014 event raised $14,000, and Mayor Straub hopes that number continues to increase.
At the event's opening, the mayor called to mind the Gettysburg address, "Remember some of the core principles on God, liberty, community, patriotism, and remember that, 'We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain.' The more we can do to really honor our vets the more we will be supporting that mission."
This year's organization was the Lone Survivor Foundation, which is dedicated to helping veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder through therapy and support. Ozol and Straub hope that the event continues to grow and encourage the support of the nation's veterans.