'RUN FOR FREEDOM' CLOSING CEREMONY TODAY

Old Dominion University President Roseann Runte will lead Army and Navy ROTC units in a large formation run to complete the final mile of the "Run for Freedom" into Kaufman Mall at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 8, followed by a closing ceremony.

Since Saturday, more than 600 Old Dominion University Army and Navy ROTC members, students, faculty and staff have run the American flag one mile around the campus 24 hours a day to honor every service member lost since the start of the War on Terror as part of the "Run for Freedom."

The six-day event is a fundraiser to benefit the families of the fallen service members and money raised will be donated to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, Freedom Alliance and Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. To date, more than 600 military members have died since the War on Terror began.

"This is a very fitting way for our campus community to honor these courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country," said Officer Candidate Jason Redman, student battalion commander of the Navy ROTC unit and organizer of the run. "Our tribute will be seen by virtually every person travelling on Hampton Boulevard for six days, raising awareness of the sacrifices military members and their families make every day in the name of freedom."

The mile-long route will begin on Kaufman Mall, wind through the middle of campus, up 43rd Street to Hampton Boulevard and down 49th Street to the starting point.

Individuals and organizations interested in donating or sponsoring the Run for Freedom fund can do so online at www.odu.edu/runforfreedom or by visiting any Bank of the Commonwealth branch office. For more information, visit the web site or call 581-1501.