Heroes run honors the fallen in Lower Southampton

By Diane Davies-Dixon

They honored the fallen by challenging themselves on the streets of Lower Southampton.

The brisk morning air greeted more than 165 men, women, children and even a few canines as they arrived at Russell Elliott Memorial Park in Lower Southampton on Saturday for the Feasterville 911 Heroes Run.

It was the first Feasterville 911 Heroes Run held by the Travis Manion Foundation in association with the Lower Southampton Veterans Advisory Council.

Both the foundation and advisory council share the mission of assisting veterans and the families of fallen heroes.

Not long after the death of 1st. Lt. Travis Manion in Iraq in April 2007, the Marine’s mother, Janet Manion, founded the foundation in her son’s name. Her plan was to honor the fallen by challenging the living, according to the foundation.

Before leaving for his second and final deployment to Iraq, Manion said “If not me, then who”. Those words inspired his mother to carry on and help families of other fallen service members, veterans and active duty troops.

Those words also inspired race director Steve Softly.

Richard Billy 9/11 survivor FDNY.
Photo by Diane Davies-Dixon

“Honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Softly.

“Do not run with heavy hearts,'' he said. "Run, cheer, show the world we are united.”

The 911 Heroes Run unites communities internationally with the goal to never forget the sacrifices of the heroes of Sept. 11, 2001 and the wars since: veteran, first responder, civilian and military.

Runners final lap
Photo by Diane Davies-Dixon

The annual run began in Doylestown. Now about 50 cities participate in the 911 Heroes Run. Even some military bases organize a run in support, according to Gerry McGowan of Chalfont.

Gerry McGowan
Photo by Diane Davies-Dixon

“I have been running since the first one held in Doylestown,” said McGowan.

“It is for a super cause,” said McGowan. “Everything they do is great. They help people find jobs when they come back home.”

Phyllis and Richard Billy traveled from Upper Dublin to show support for fallen heroes of Sept. 11, 2001.

Richard Billy is a survivor of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. Billy was a firefighter with Engine Company 24 New York Fire. He retired in 2005 after 22 years of service.

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