NatNews

Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a holiday to honor all soldiers who died during their time serving the United States.

Congress officially declared this day a holiday in 1971, though the roots of Memorial Day date back to local observances during the Civil War. For veterans like White Rock Running Co-op member Roy Villa, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps, Memorial Day will always hold significance in their lives.

“Many see it as the official start of the summer, but it is far more meaningful to me and to many others that have served in uniform,” Villa said. “During my time in uniform, I had the honor and privilege of serving with some of the best and finest Marines I have ever known. I built unbreakable bonds with them; I got to see the world with them. They trained me, and they molded me to be the best version of myself, but most importantly, they brought me home.”

But not everyone is as fortunate as Villa.

“Memorial Day reminds me that it doesn’t always play out this way,” he said. “Brothers and sisters don’t alway get to bring each other home. They stay on the battlefield. They have their last meals together. They take their last breaths together. This holiday is for them.”

Although there is one day each year to remember the soldiers lost in combat, Villa said it would be better to honor them as often as possible.

“In our current international climate, with the tensions in Europe and the Pacific, the potential for a world war has never been higher in our lifetime,” he said. “If we, as a nation, don’t reflect on the losses and the sacrifices of our nation’s heroes, we will yet again endure a world of pain and suffering just like they did. That is why it is important for us to celebrate and recognize the fallen—not just on this holiday but every day.”

On Saturday, a group of individuals in the White Rock Running Co-op traveled to Ennis, Texas, to compete in the 22nd annual Polkafest Run—and they did not walk away empty-handed.

In the 5K race, the WRRC earned the overall team award, led by multiple dominant performances on the hilly route throughout a residential area. Individual winners included Scott Woolford (first in age group), Lauren DeLuca (first in age group), Paige Ryder (first in age group), Alex Sizemore (second in age group), Josh Odegard (second in age group), Mark Olateju (second in age group), Kevin Ly (third in age group), and Grace Sunio (third in age group).

In the 10K, Gigi McGuire notched the female overall win in the masters division, while Alan Schonborn and Ryan Herington captured second place in their respective age groups, and Elizabeth Cruz took home third place in her age group. As a whole, once again, the WRRC secured the overall team title.

WRRC admin Kevin Roberts grew up in Ennis, and he said it’s a special experience each year to take part in the Polkafest Run.

“I can’t put into words how cool it is for me to have so many WRRCers drive down to Ennis,” he said. “I’m beyond proud and appreciative on so many levels.”

Rather than medals, race winners receive rather sizable alternatives—something McGuire is more than happy to accept.

“I ran really hard, and so it felt awesome to win masters,” she said. “It’s nice when that hard work is rewarded with a giant, obnoxious trophy.”

The event is about more than racing, however. Post-race, there are a parade and plenty of activities and attractions for individuals of all ages to enjoy.

“I love that so many WRRC runners come out, and there is always someone who brings the family,” McGuire said. “Next year, we are entering the parade, and I am so excited that I can’t stand it!”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

WRRC members took home some massive hardware Saturday at the Ennis Polkafest