by KYW’s Steve Tawa

Sunday is the annual Philadelphia Vietnam Veteran Memorial Run. It takes place, beginning at the memorial at Columbus Boulevard and Spruce Street, honoring all of those who have served, including those currently in Iraq.

The founder of the now 22nd annual memorial run Jim McCloskey says their focus for the last five years has been the families who have lost loved ones in Iraq:

“We’ve had them down with us. It’s given us the honor to recognize their sacrifice and service above self.”

This year the organizers are honoring, among others, the memory of 26-year old Lieutenant Travis Manion, of Doylestown, who died last year in a sniper attack while embedded with an Iraqi army unit that he was leading and training:

“Travis accomplished a lot at LaSalle high school, as an all American in lacrosse and football, and did much the same while attending the US Naval Academy.”

There will be a special dedication for retired police officer and veteran Tom Christy Sr., who was one of the organizers of the event, until he recently died, leaving behind a family that includes two sons and a daughter who are Philadelphia police officers.

It’s a combination 10K and 5K run, as well as a three-mile walk. You can register at the memorial from 12-4pm Saturday and on Sunday before the morning race.