Marine commando unit holds annual ‘Running for their Memory’ event in honor of 85 members of the unit who fell in the line of duty.
By TPS
The Israeli Navy’s Shayetet 13, a marine commando unit operating in the sea, on land, and in the air in a variety of daring and special activities, held its annual “Running for their Memory” event on Monday in honor of the 85 members of the unit who fell in the line of duty while defending their nation.
The run was held on the eve Israel’s National Memorial Day (Yom HaZikaron in Hebrew) for the Fallen Soldiers of the Wars of Israel and Victims of Actions of Terrorism which is observed every year on the day before Independence Day, which began Monday night.
More than 200 marines participated in the run, whose route started at the Naval Commando base in Atlit along a 12 km (8 mile) route. This year, for the first time, reservists of the unit also joined the run.
At one point, participants read aloud the names of the fallen of the unit and laid wreaths in memory of the fallen.
“On this special and important day, we must remember that the eighty-five names we mentioned, each of them a lifetime, sacrificed the most precious of all for the defense of the homeland and the freedom of Israel – their lives,” said the commander of the 13th Fleet, Col. A. (Identities of the members of all IDF special forces units are classified for their own safety and the safety of their families.)
“We must remember the enormous responsibility that rests on our shoulders as fighters and as commanders in the fleet – to do whatever is required, in battle and routine, to be united and rise above any controversy, in order to maintain the security and resilience of our wonderful country.”