American Village honors fallen heroes at 5K and Memorial Day celebration

Published 5:59 pm Wednesday, June 11, 2025

By Dave Domescik

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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – Beneath a soft Memorial Day rain, more than 100 runners and walkers carried American flags through the historic grounds of American Village, each step a tribute to a fallen hero.

The inaugural Because of the Brave 5K, held on Monday, May 26, launched a day of remembrance and reflection at American Village, combining patriotic symbolism, historical education and personal acts of commemoration. The event, a partnership between American Village and The Running Birds, marked the start to the Village’s annual Memorial Day programming.

“This event is not about you,” said Melanie Poole, communications officer for American Village. “It’s not a race. It’s about reflecting on the sacrifice made by so many of our heroes.”

From the starting line at 7 a.m., participants carried 2-foot by 3-foot American flags for the entire 5K course, which looped twice through American Village’s most symbolic landmarks. Along the way, runners passed the National Veterans Shrine, Colonial Chapel, Washington Hall, Independence Hall and the Freedom Trail—a paved route lined with monuments to military service.

The concept for the event came from Adam Partridge of The Running Birds, a Hoover police detective and avid runner. Poole said his idea to incorporate the flags was instantly powerful.

“These men and women carried the American flag and served our country with honor,” she said. “What a better way to honor them than to carry a flag in their name while running or walking a 5K?”

Military reenactors ran the course in full gear, offering a living reminder of those who served. At the finish line, participants traded their flags for a custom challenge coin, a symbolic military keepsake that connects veterans and service members across generations.

“In the military, challenge coins represent unit identity and recognition of service,” Poole said. “Presenting each runner a coin was a way of saying, ‘You’re now part of this family. We recognize your love for America and for her heroes.’”

Participants were also invited to personalize their experience by writing the name of a veteran on a commemorative memorial flag. Those flags will be displayed at future Because of the Brave events, establishing a growing legacy of remembrance.

While the 5K was a new addition this year, it folded seamlessly into the American Village Memorial Day Celebration and Service, a long-standing tradition that draws hundreds of visitors annually for reenactments, educational programming and ceremonies.

At 11 a.m., the Colonial Chapel hosted a solemn Veterans Service, including a wreath-laying ceremony at the National Veterans Shrine and a performance of taps on bagpipes. Admission to the day’s events was free.

From dawn to afternoon, American Village offered an immersive experience for all ages with historical interpreters portraying Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, John Adams and Thomas Paine. Families explored colonial spy techniques, 18th-century medicine, puppet shows, military demonstrations and more. The day was designed to blend remembrance with education, helping visitors—especially younger generations—connect to the country’s founding values.

“At its core, American Village is about education,” Poole said. “We’re not just buildings. We’re building something in the hearts and minds of Americans—young and old—the stewardship of the sacred fire of liberty.”

As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, Poole said there has never been a more urgent time to inspire Americans to know and cherish their history.

“America is suffering from national illiteracy—we don’t know our own story,” she said. “And if we don’t remember how 13 colonies came together to become one people, we’re at risk of repeating the past.”

Col. Alan B. Miller, American Village president and CEO, echoed that urgency while expressing hope that the 5K becomes a lasting Memorial Day tradition.

“This run is more than a race,” Miller said. “It’s a meaningful way for our community to come together in gratitude. Every step we take is a reminder that our freedom came at a great cost—and it is because of the brave that we live free.”

For more information on American Village and future events, visit Americanvillage.org.

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