Learn more about the race and where proceeds are headed below.
The race will held on Saturday, September 6th, 2008 at 9AM. Take a look:
Race Schedule:
7:30 a.m. Registration and race bag pick-up
8:30 a.m. Race Opening Ceremony
9:00 a.m. 5k Run Starts
9:10 a.m. 5k Walk Starts
10:00 a.m. Live music entertainment
11:00 a.m. Ashly's 5K Race for Freedom award presentation
Directions to the Race:
All vehicles must access the Lehigh Parkway via Vultee Street (located off of Lehigh Street in Allentown).
FROM 1-78/ROUTE 309:
Take Lehigh Street exit north/east toward Allentown (approximately .8 mile) and turn left onto Vultee St. (CVS on far left corner). Follow the signs to the parking area.
FROM 24TH STREET
Go south on 24th Street until the intersection of Lehigh Street (traffic light). Turn left onto Lehigh Street. Proceed 1.1 miles to the left onto Vultee St. Follow the signs to parking area.
The Blue Star Mothers is a non profit organization of women who have, or have had, children serving in the armed forces. The group was established in 1942 with the original goals being "to bring our sons home, to ensure they received the benefits they deserved, help service member's families, help each other and to be there if something happened," said Susan Naill, a blue star mother since 1993.
The role of the organization has since evolved. They are there to support our troops headed to lands unknown. They shower the troops with much needed supplies and small comforts of home. They are at the hospital when a soldier returns home after being injured in combat. They are the cheerleaders showering returning soldiers with love, and they support our veterans who have been tattered by the wrath of war.
In 1917 a blue star flag was created by WW1 Army Captain Robert L. Queissner. The flag was hung in the window to denote that a family member was serving in the armed forces. The blue flag became gold if a service member was killed during active duty or listed as missing.
The blue star represents hope and pride. The gold star represents sacrifice to the cause of liberty and freedom.
Please help us support the Blue star mothers in their efforts to improve the lives of our troops and veterans who so willingly risk their lives for our freedom.
You can visit their homepage here.