Editor:

If we are fortunate, every so often we meet someone who reminds us of what a difference one individual can make. One individual with a vision and a commitment so deep that he not only moves forward but inspires others to join him on the journey. One such individual is the organizer of the Run for the Fallen, Maine event, John Mixon.

Two weeks ago Mr. Mixon inquired about the possibility of joining in on the last leg of the national Run for the Fallen event, but was told the run was full. He realized Maine Fallen Heroes while honored, were not fully recognized as the run had not passed through our state nor had a Maine event been planned. In a Herculean effort he somehow assembled a small team to organize and implement, not simply a run but an amazing tribute to Maine’s own fallen heroes. I can’t even begin to imagine the hours, hard work and dedication this must have entailed. What I didn’t have to imagine however, because I saw for myself, was the incredible outcome. In two short weeks an event was put together that was so successful most would have assumed it had been planned for many months.

The event began with a tribute at Veteran’s Park in Ogunquit. I traveled to the park late on Saturday evening to view the display, and even as a spouse of a fallen soldier who is painfully aware of all of our losses, the tribute took my breathe away and made my heart ache. It is a site I will long remember. Fifty-five poster size color photos and individual tributes adorned with American flags and large yellow ribbons spanned the length of the park. The loss to our country, state and families was breathtaking in its intensity. I stayed for quite a while and silently paid tribute to my husband and all of his fallen comrades and also listened to the heartfelt reaction of the throngs of people who were drawn to the park. Many were vacationers who stopped for a time to honor those who gave their lives in defense of this nation. I heard parents speak to their children of the true cost of freedom, I heard retired soldiers speak of their service and I heard gratitude in the voices of all that evening. Without Mr. Mixon many of these people would not have had an opportunity to pause and to remember.

Sunday morning began with a gathering at Ogunquit Park prior to the start of the run. Runners, organizers, families, friends and others joined in to honor our heroes. A young woman with a voice of an angel, Erica Mixon, sang the National Anthem and touched each of our hearts. It was quite the start to the run.

Each of Maine’s soldiers had a mile dedicated in their memory. My husband’s was located in Kennebunk, the place we had loved and called home for more than two decades. The thoughtfulness behind this placement touched me deeply. As I stood by the start of this mile I watched the runners come forward. I was there to honor my husband and to thank those who were running. As I tried to express my gratitude to them, each of the runners came by, took my hand and expressed their gratitude for my husband and all he gave. The last was Mr. Mixon who gave me a hug and in what I have come to know as his great selflessness, he gently brushed aside my thanks and said, “No, we are the ones who want to thank your husband.”

I know that each family along the way received the same warmth and genuine appreciation for their soldier’s service and sacrifice.

The event culminated in a moving tribute at Monument Square in Portland. After the pledge of allegiance, Mr. Mixon read the “Soldiers Poem”, which brought many of us to tears. These were tears of gratitude for the weekend’s beautiful tribute to those we hold so close in our hearts and miss every day.

I’m at a loss to find words adequate enough to express my heartfelt gratitude to all who participated in this event: To Mr. Mixon and all of the volunteers who so graciously gave of themselves and without whom this event would not have been possible. To the sponsors who chose to support this run and honor each fallen hero. To the runners, people who assisted, friends, those who stopped by the side of the road to pay tribute, police, soldiers, towns that supported this, families, everyone. You did an amazing job of honoring our fallen heroes and of paying tribute to them. You also brought great comfort and solace to those of us who have lost a loved one. To know our beloved husbands, wives, sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, other relatives, are not forgotten means more than you can know. For many of us a great fear is that the country will forget our loved ones, today you made sure that will never happen. For that gift; your participation, dedication and the memory of this day will live forever in my heart.

My heartfelt gratitude as well to the other families I met on Sunday. I am saddened by the tragedy that brought us together and mourn for your loss but was touched by your kindness and honored to have shared this day with each of you. 

I am also deeply grateful to those who participated in the national event and honored all of America’s fallen heroes.

I have been told this event will be held again next year and may even become a yearly “Run for the Fallen.” What a wonderful way to honor our fallen heroes and ensure their memories live on, not just in the hearts of their family and friends but also in the hearts of the people of Maine.

For while each loved one was a spouse, child, sibling or parent they were also sons and daughters of Maine, the place they called home and the place they held close in their hearts as they traveled halfway around the world in defense of our nation,

I will be forever grateful to those who chose to honor my husband and the 54 other men and women whose deaths remind us that freedom is not free.

Betsy Coffin

Wife of First Sgt. Chris Coffin

Kennebunk