Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Local Merchants

On behalf of our entire family and race committee, we would like to thank all the participants, sponsors, volunteers, and those cheering on the sidelines for your generous support of the 15^th and final Annual Cpl Christopher G. Scherer Memorial “I Did the Grid” 4 Mile Run/Walk and Fun Run and our Field of Flags event. As always, we were overwhelmed by the response of the community and appreciate all the support over the past 15 years. A special thank you to the residents of the Grid, the Town of Huntington Highway Department, East Northport Fire Department, Northport-East Northport School District, and Suffolk County Police Department, for keeping everyone who participated over the years safe.

As we end this event, we ask ourselves if we have been successful. We reached a huge milestone in funds raised for veteran cause, over $1,000,000.00 dollars. Each one of you should be proud of that. But is that the only way to measure success?

If a veteran once afraid to venture out of their home, is now able to go to the mall with his child because of a service dog, we have succeeded. If a marine or soldier far from home receives packages and shares the contents with his platoon, then we have succeeded. If someone takes the time to say thank you to a Vietnam Vet and offers a long overdue welcome home, we have succeeded. If a child remembers that the meaning of Memorial Day is more than just the day the pool is opened, we have succeeded. If a walker or runner takes the time to find out more information about one of the names on their race bib, or even better, contacts the family, we have succeeded. If someone placing a flag at our field of flags event took a second to look out at the 7051 flags and recognized that it was more than just a pretty picture but each flag represented a life, we have succeeded. If someone took the time to listen to the chimes of the thousands of dog tags on the Dog Tag Memorial that was displayed, and now knows that while those they represent were silenced way too soon, they still have stories to tell. If, when we ask you if you knew our son Chris, and you say yes, then we ask if you ever met him and you say no, we have succeeded. We have kept him and his legacy alive through memories. “Honor the Fallen and Support the Troops.” Mission complete!

On behalf of our entire family, we thank you; for success like this does not come without the help of many. To all the countless volunteers, walkers, runners, and spectators that have helped over the years to make this day happen and for the community that has embraced us, we thank you. For all the kind words, the miles walked, and the checks written, we thank you. We thank you for what you have done for us, and we thank you for what you have done through us. We will continue our service to veterans and providing scholarships and promise that we will always do our best to pay your kindness and generosity forward.

Semper Fi,

The Scherer and Burr Families