25 Years After 9/11, communities nationwide turn remembrance into action with Travis Manion Foundation’s 9/11 Heroes Run

DOYLESTOWN, Pa./PRNewswire/ -- Twenty-five years after September 11, 2001, a generation of Americans has grown up without a firsthand memory of the day our nation vowed to Never Forget. This September, more than 60,000 runners, walkers, ruckers and volunteers across 100+ communities nationwide will come together through Travis Manion Foundation's (TMF) 19th annual 9/11 Heroes Run to carry the promise of remembrance forward.

Beginning Sept. 5 and continuing into October, volunteer-led 9/11 Heroes Run events will honor the heroes of September 11 and the service members who stepped up in the wars that followed. In collaboration with national title sponsor, CVS Health, the community-centered race series gives Americans of all ages and fitness levels a tangible way to remember, serve and strengthen their communities while ensuring the enduring spirit of unity that followed 9/11 continues to reach future generations.

"Twenty-five years after the tragedy of 9/11, we are reminded that 'Never Forget' is more than a promise. It is a responsibility," said Ryan Manion, CEO of Travis Manion Foundation. "As we gather to mark this milestone anniversary in collaboration with CVS Health, we have an even greater obligation to honor the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of the first responders and our nation's warriors, ensuring that the stories of these heroes continue to inspire future generations to lead lives of service, character, and commitment."

The 9/11 Heroes Run was inspired by 1stLt Travis Manion, USMC, who was killed in Iraq in April 2007 while protecting his fellow Marines. Before his final deployment, Travis visited New York City Fire Department Rescue Company 1, which endured devastating losses on September 11. Travis left the visit inspired by the courage of the FDNY and all first responders. In 2008, the first 9/11 Heroes Run was held in Travis' hometown of Doylestown, PA.

Today, Heroes Run events also serve as a bridge between generations. Veterans, first responders and inspired civilians participate alongside young Americans who know the day only through the stories passed down to them. By gathering locally to honor and remember, communities ensure that the meaning of September 11 and the spirit of unity that followed are carried forward.

For the first time this year, TMF is proud to have CVS Health as a National Title Sponsor for the 9/11 Heroes Run, supporting TMF's efforts to expand the reach and impact of the race series in communities nationwide.

"At CVS Health, we believe strong communities are built when people come together around a shared purpose. The 9/11 Heroes Run reminds us of the strength that comes from standing together, honoring those who served and sacrificed, supporting one another, and carrying that spirit of service forward in communities across the country," said Len Shankman, Executive Vice President, CVS Health and President, Pharmacy Services.

Each 9/11 Heroes Run also advances Travis Manion Foundation's broader mission to invest in veterans and families of the fallen and inspire future generations to lead with character. Through service, mentorship, leadership development and community engagement, TMF empowers veterans and families of the fallen to continue their own legacies of service and lead lives of impact and purpose.

To find a 9/11 Heroes Run near you and register to run, walk, ruck or volunteer, visit 911heroesrun.org. Virtual participation and opportunities to host local Shadow Events are also available.

About Travis Manion Foundation: Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) unites communities to strengthen America's national character by empowering veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop and lead future generations. In 2007, 1stLt Travis Manion (USMC) was killed in Iraq while saving his wounded teammates. Today, Travis' legacy lives on in the words he spoke before leaving for his final deployment, "If Not Me, Then Who..." Guided by this mantra, veterans continue their service, develop strong relationships with their communities, and thrive in their post-military lives by serving as character role models to youth. As a result, communities prosper and the character of our nation's heroes lives on in the next generation. https://www.travismanion.org/

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