419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
4/24/2013 - HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Senior
Master Sgt. Timothy Gill, 419th Operations Group, honored victims of
the Boston Marathon bombing at the Salt Lake City Marathon April 20 by
carrying a large American flag for the duration of the race.
The Air Force Reservist said the marathon was a tough race, both physically and emotionally.
"It was about 50 degrees, with constant rain and hail. I ran the whole
26.2 miles carrying a five-foot American flag, which got very heavy in
the rain. It seemed much lighter, however, when the police doing traffic
control stopped the cars for me to pass, then turned around, and
saluted my flag as I passed. I also ran four miles later in the race
with an amputee. The pain in my legs and shoulders was of no concern, as
no matter how much pain I experienced, it is nothing compared to what
the people in Boston who are recovering in the hospital are enduring.
Bystanders yelled, 'USA, USA, USA' as I passed. There was also a very
elderly veteran from World War II, who gingerly rose from his chair,
came to the position of attention, and rendered a proud salute. I am
glad that it was raining, as I wept many times. It is a race that I will
never forget."
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
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