Last evening our museum had the honor of a visit by Mike Ehredt of Driggs Idaho. Mike is a US Army veteran who is running solo and unsupported across America to honor and remember US servicemen and women who have sacrificed their lives in Iraq since 2003. He places an American flag with a soldier's name every mile along his route to honor them. Mike's run started May 1, 2010 at the Pacific Ocean in Oregon and is projected to end in mid-October in Rockland Maryland on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Mike is averaging 29 miles per day, for a total of 4522 miles. He is spending his nights with host families across the USA, and was hosted last night by the Three Roses Bed and Breakfast in Pontiac. Mike is pushing a jogging stroller to carry flags, supplies, and communications / emergency gear. He receives shipments every 10 days from the volunteers in Idaho.
Mike wrote on his blog:
"Pontiac IL is home to the Livingston County War Museum, an absolute must-see display of mannequins and memorabilia".
Following his museum visit, the City of Pontiac, Pontiac Tourism and museum officers hosted a dinner for him at DeLongs Restaurant in downtown Pontiac. Mike ate well. He burns around 8000 calories a day!
Our best wishes to Mike! He made a great impression on us. We ask our museum Facebook friends to help support his effort by sponsoring a particular soldier or marine's flag at: www.projectamericarun.com. Proceeds go to the Honoring Our Veterans organization of Jackson Hole, Wyoming - a 501c3 charity providing recreational and social rehabilitation for wounded veterans.
