Sanibel fire district, run club recognize veterans with event
For the third year in a row, a group of islanders organized a run in honor of Veterans Day.
On Nov. 11, members of the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District and Sanibel Spoonbills Run Crew participated in a five-mile run to recognize the sacrifice that military veterans and their families make serving their county. Between the district and run club, about a dozen people took part this year.
“I think the important thing is we keep everybody remembering about veterans and what they sacrificed. Whether they were in combat or not, it’s still time away from your family,” Division Chief of Training Tim Barrett said. “I think people kind of forget the sacrifices that veterans made.”
During the annual event, the group ran with the American flag. Barrett explained that for those veterans who see them, they know they are not forgotten. For others, it raises awareness about the run and even increases future participation. He noted that the first one had three or four participants.
Leaving at about 7:30 a.m. from Station 171, the group took Periwinkle Way to Tarpon Bay Road, then traveled along West Gulf Drive to Algiers Lane, where it made a stop at the Sanibel Cemetery located next to Gulfside City Park. At the cemetery, the group placed American flags on the graves of veterans.
“So that the families or people understand the respect we’re paying to the veterans who are no longer with us,” Barrett said. “There are veterans who are buried there, and people still remember.”
They observed a moment of silence, and Spoonbills member Roger Timm shared some stories.
“Roger gave a spiel about some of the Sanibel residents who are buried there,” he said, referring to veterans with onsite graves. “We just talk about the veterans and give everybody a little history.”
The group then headed back to Station 171.
“With things going on, I think it’s really important for people to understand we are where we are because of veterans and their sacrifices,” Barrett said, adding that the run lets active service members know they are respected and the families of passed veterans know their loved one is not forgotten.
The annual event is open to the community. Those interested in taking part next year can contact Barrett at 239-472-5525 and tbarrett@sanibelfire.com or Timm with the Sanibel Spoonbills.
He noted that the group also does a run on Memorial Day and on Sept. 11.