CrossFit Challenge and South Bend Parade to Honor the Fallen this Memorial Day

Granger, Ind. --  While many across Michiana prepare to spend Memorial Day grilling or enjoying time with family, dozens will gather at CrossFit 061 in Granger to honor America’s fallen heroes in a meaningful way.

Eighty-five participants are signed up to complete the Murph Challenge on Saturday, a workout named in honor of Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2005 at the age of 29. The workout includes a one mile run, 100 pullups, 100 pushups, 300 squats, and another one mile run all performed all while wearing a weighted vest.

For some, like St. Joseph County Police SWAT Commander Sgt. Chris Lawson-Rulli, the workout is more than just physical.

“I’ve had family and friends that didn’t make it home,” said Lawson-Rulli. “I’ve had people that have gone overseas and give me the ability to do the things that I do, so I think about that while I’m doing this workout. This workout isn’t as hard as anything that they’ve endured.”

In recent years, the challenge has raised more than $80,000 for the local Veterans Affairs office, helping support those who return home after serving their country.

Back in South Bend, a tradition nearly a century old continues. The annual West Side Memorial Day Parade returns for its 99th year, marching off Monday morning down Ford Street. The parade will conclude with a community celebration at VFW Post 9820, the city’s last remaining VFW hall.

The hall will also host several ceremonies throughout the weekend. Gennie Pickens, Treasurer of the Post 9820 Auxiliary, says the meaning behind these events remains the same.

“It’s not to celebrate; it’s to remember the ones that died,” Pickens said. “It’s a celebration to remember the past, that’s what it’s all about.”

In recent years, VFW Post 9820 has been actively working to attract younger veterans and new members.