An odyssey that honors our war dead

Lace up running shoes. Run a mile, lugging a jogger stroller with you. Stop and catch your breath. Plant a flag along the roadside to honor a serviceman or woman who died in Iraq or Afghanistan. Salute. Take a swig of water. Embark on the next mile.

For nearly 4 months, that routine has dominated Mike Ehredt’s existence. A Rock Falls native, Army veteran and avid long-distance runner, the 49-year-old Ehredt brought his coast-to-coast run to the Sauk Valley over the weekend.

He has run almost 3,000 miles since leaving Astoria, Ore., on May 1. He has about 1,400 miles to go to reach Rockland, Maine. Along the way, he’ll plant a flag every mile to remember the 4,500 troops taken from us this decade by war.

Ehredt’s 6-month odyssey has done more than honor America’s war dead. It has raised awareness of all veterans, and it has put a spotlight on the big dreams that one dedicated individual can accomplish.

Ehredt’s physical endurance is matched by his mental strength to keep going, mile after mile, to remember each service member individually. Attached to each flag is a deceased veteran’s name, age, hometown, rank, branch and date of death.

The purpose of the run, according to Ehredt’s website, projectamericarun.com, is simple: “This is a personal tribute, a silent memorial for those who have served with dignity and honor and whose sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Along with impressing people across the country with his sincerity and good heart, the 1979 Rock Falls High School graduate continues to inspire his family. His younger brother, Mark, said the trip attests to Mike’s character.

“If you look out there, you can achieve some things in life that no one ever thought you could,” Mark said. “I think he wants you to balance that back into some of the soldiers that have lost their lives. It’s a cause that is bigger than all of us.”

The nation honors its war dead once a year on Memorial Day. People like Mike Ehredt want to be sure those sacrifices are not forgotten the 364 other days each year.