Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor U.S. military personnel who died while serving their country. It’s a time for mourning and reflection, and since Congress passed a law in 1971, Memorial Day has been observed on the last Monday of May. Many honor Memorial Day with visits to cemeteries and memorials. Others honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice with their own acts of service, kindness, or meditations on gratefulness for the country and culture we enjoy.
In an effort to preserve the memory and legacy of one special Navy SEAL who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, I (an many others) did the “Murph Challenge” this past Memorial Day weekend. The Murph is a fitness challenge consisting of a 1 mile run, 100 pull ups, 200 push ups, 300 squats, and a 1 mile run wearing a 20lbs vest done for time. It serves as the official annual fundraiser of the LT. Michael P Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation. Since its inception, the Murphy family has raised over $2 Million to support the educational needs of children. LT Murphy’s favorite saying was “Education will set you free.”
As teachers and coaches, we hold the keys to freedom through the transformative and liberating power of knowledge. The education we provide in the classroom, on the field, or in the gym breaks down barriers, opens up opportunities, and empowers children to lead fulfilling lives. There may be little any one of us may encounter that compares to the adversity Mike Murphy endured, but our investment in others has the potential to pay the same kinds of dividends that emerged from the investments of time, attention, care, and learning Mike poured so generously into those who knew him.
When we invest our time and effort into a scholarship fundraiser or into the education of the youth in our communities, we follow the example of Service Members like Lt Michael Murphy, and invest in a brighter and more equitable future for all.
Coach Rich Alercio is available to discuss coaching philosophy, X’s & O’s, or teach his O-Line “techniques in the trenches.” Contact Coach at richalercio@gmail.com and share http://www.olineskills.com with your colleagues and friends. Thanks for supporting this blog and joining our conversations, and as always, thanks for your time!
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