14 Remember 17

Today is a tragically special day in our country’s history. A yearly reminder of our strengths and vulnerabilities.  A yearly reminder of just how lucky we are, and just how quickly that can all change. In attempt to honor all those who made the ultimate sacrifice seventeen years ago on 9/11/01, we gathered in unity to begin our day grateful for the opportunity.

05:30 – In a sign of solidarity, all F3RVA PAX members carried shovel flags at their respective AOs. No Toll (14 PAX strong) ran a 1/2 mile lap around the grass fields.

COP: Helicopters – 9 / Burpees – 11 / LBCs – 13 / SSHs – 50

Shorly before 9:00 a.m. on 9/11/01, two planes at the hands of terrorists flew into the Twin Towers. In rememberance of those who sacrified as a result of those senseless acts, we performed (Twin) Tower 11s. YHC didn’t do a great job explaining this, so here it is, hopefully better explained. Each PAX member secures two parking spaces, side by side. Starting at the base of the first parking space, perform exercise A (10 Merkins). Bear crawl to the top of the that space, bear crawl sideways to adjoining space, crawl bear back down to base of second space and perform exercise B (1 Carolina Dry Dock). Repeato until 11s are completed.

At roughly 9:30 a.m. hijackers flew a third plane into the Pentagon. We took time to reflect on those members of the Pentagon community who sacrified it all for our freedoms. Pentagon. Partner up. Partner A runs backwards from one end of the parking lot to the other. 1 burpee at the far end. Regular run back to Partner B who was performing WWIIs. Switch and repeato 5 times. YHC forgot to call ascending burpees with each lap, but we got in 5 burpees on lap 5.

Shortly after 10:00 a.m. a fourth plane crashed into a field in Shanksville, PA. We later learned that plane was headed for Washington, D.C., but for a brave, ultimate and unified sacrifice given by civilian passengers aboard that plane. The PAX circled up in the grass field, and in honor of those lives selflessly given, performed Whatchamacallits. 1 merkin / 4 air presses all the way to 10 merkins / 40 air presses.  Respect paid the best way we could here, with a bonus set of 13 merkins and 50 air presses – representing our American Flag and all that it stands for.

Unison lap (bro code just doesn’t sound right on this day) with the flag around the grass field, then back to the flag. Dying cockroaches x 11 / 9 Burpees OYO.

PAX took us out.

Announcements:  4 year anniversary – 9/22    Puppy Pile 9/29

YHC decided to change things up a bit today. As kids we recited the Pledge of Allegiance every day at school. I’m not sure we really paid attention to its words and meaning, but we said it. Today, in unison, with our hands over our heavy hearts, we recited the Pledge of Allegiance on our way out. Reminding ourselves of all the sacrifices made, freedoms given, and the ability to get up each morning and gather as we do because of those sacrifices. Nealry 3,000 people died on 9/11, without warning. YHC for one trys to remind myself of this daily, but it’s hard, and often forgotten how fragile it all really it is.

As we go forward today, I leave the words of the Pledge of Allegiance for you to read, recite and truly ponder. YHC humbly believes we owe it to all those who sacrificed for our right to do so. So the next time you want to hit the snooze button or stay in bed, think instead about getting out of bed and posting in honor of those who no longer can.

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Res Ipsa Loquitur – The Beatdown Speaks For Itself