By Greg Halbleib

BLOOMINGTON – Before the Memorial Day parade steps off in Bloomington, the route will host a race designed to honor those who have served.

The Memorial Mile begins at 7 a.m. Monday and features six heats for the various categories. One of the heats is for military personnel and first responders including fire and police departments called the “Glory Wave,” which one of the organizers, Paul Segobiano, said carries special significance after the death of local native and Army Ranger Josh Rodgers.

“As a veteran myself, I often say to people the price of peace, the price of safety, is marked with white crosses,” Segobiano told WJBC’s Marc Strauss. “We never need to forget that. When the Glory Wave takes place, (I’m) hoping there will be a multitude of people applauding their efforts.”

Military personnel and first responders may run in the Glory Wave for free and are encouraged to wear their uniforms.

Segobiano said he wants to honor military personnel and first responders through the Glory Wave heat of the race because when he first reported for duty with the Army’s Third Infantry in Korea, he quickly realized the sacrifice he and his fellow soldiers would make.

“The first day I hit shore, I saw those who were returning home from their service and the look on their faces and sacrifice they had made, and what lie ahead,” Segobiano remembered. “I think those who have not served have no idea.”

“I was 19. I thought I was a man. I found out I was a boy.”

The Memorial Mile benefits the Great Plains LIFE Foundation, which works with at-risk students before and after graduation. Information is at stay4.org and fleetfeetbloomington.com.

Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected].