Honor Flight fundraiser scheduled for Saturday

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SLAYTON — According to a recent prediction, the weather is supposed to be in the mid-60s and sunny on Saturday, which makes it a perfect day to attend the 5K Fun Run/Walk at the Murray County Fairgrounds and donate to a worthy cause at the same time.

Betsy Plotz, co-leader of the Murray County Wellness Team, said the event is about raising money for Southwest Minnesota Honor Flight and getting outside and on the road to good health.

“We put the two together because they are both a good cause,” said Plotz.

The Southwest Minnesota Honor Flight is a project designed to send World War II veterans to Washington D.C. to share stories and see the memorials that have been built in their honor.

The run/walk event, which begins at 9:30 a.m., is hosted by the wellness team and sponsored by Totzke Funeral Home.

According to Murray County Community Relations Director Christy Riley, more people have signed up for the run/walk than normally sign up for a similar walk during the annual health fair.

“We’re very happy with the turnout so far,” Riley said. “But we’ll take more.”

“People are very excited about it,” Plotz agreed.

The Slayton Fire Department has volunteered to provide its 1942 Seagraves pumper truck as a “pace car” for the runners and walkers.

“The truck was an Army-issued truck back in its day,” Riley said. “There will be some local veterans riding in the back of the fire truck.”

Organizers hope people will line the streets of Slayton along the 5K route to cheer on the participants and honor the veterans. Registration is at the fairgrounds, but the race will start in front of the Murray County Courthouse.

“It would be great to have people lining the first two blocks of main street to help honor our WWII heroes,” Riley stated. “Bring your red, white and blue!”

Each person who registers for the run/walk will receive a long-sleeved T-shirt bearing the Honor Flight logo. The form to pre-register can be found on the Murray County Web site at www.murray-countymn.com. Registration can also be done via email at wellness@murraycountymed.org, by calling (507)836-1245, or on the morning of the event. Those who register Saturday morning may not get a

T-shirt until a later date if more than 150 people participate in the event. As of Tuesday, there were about 100 already registered.

“But it isn’t just about the run/walk,” Riley explained. “It is also about the program.”

At 11:30 a.m., there will be a short program to honor veterans. Speakers will talk about the upcoming trip and the World War II vets will be celebrated and commended.

“We would like to get all vets, not just World War II, out there,” Riley said. “This is a tribute to them.”

Those unable to participate in the run/walk should plan on coming to the fairgrounds between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for a burger feed by Brian’s Supper Club of Fulda. Burgers, chips, a bar and a beverage will be served. The Country Gentleman will provide musical entertainment. Free-will donations will be accepted for the meal, and all proceeds will go toward Southwest Minnesota Honor Flight.

A banner honoring Murray County veterans will be available to sign. This banner will be sent with the Southwest Minnesota Honor Flight members to Washington D.C. to help commemorate their visit and honor those from Murray County who could not make the trip.

“People can sign in memory of someone, or just to say, ‘Thank you for your service,’” Riley explained. “We’re going to get it laminated, and then the honor flight members can have pictures taken with it in Washington.”

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