Honoring the Fallen Through Movement and Memory: The 2025 wear blue: run to remember at NatCon
As the sun set over the Rocky Mountains on Friday, January 3, 2025, nearly 200 student veterans, supporters, and community members gathered at The Broadmoor’s Cheyenne Lake Loop in Colorado Springs for a powerful and emotional tradition: the wear blue: run to remember Remembrance Run, held during the 17th Annual National Conference.
More than just a physical event, this evening run served as a collective tribute to those who gave their lives in service to our nation. Participants ran or walked alongside a path lined with remembrance posters, each honoring the name and face of a fallen service member. Together, attendees shared a space of healing, remembrance, and unity.
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The run began with a Circle of Remembrance, where participants stood shoulder to shoulder in silent reflection, honoring the lives and legacies of those no longer with us. Many runners participated in honor of a specific individual, sharing their names aloud and keeping their stories alive.
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Posters submitted in advance or written on-site allowed participants to personalize the experience. After the event, the posters were relocated to the entrance of the expo hall, extending the opportunity for reflection throughout the remainder of the conference.
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The wear blue: run to remember is a reminder that service doesn’t end when a uniform is folded for the last time. It’s carried forward by those who remember, who advocate, and who act in honor of those we’ve lost. Through community, movement, and remembrance, student veterans continue to serve—together.
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