Hundreds of runners will be assigned a name of a soldier who sacrificed his or her life in the current Mideast conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.  The name will be worn on the front of the bib number and they will be asked to dedicate their 6 mile run to the memory of that individual.

 “We recognize that this country is split on the necessity for this war, but none is not touched in a compelling way by the supreme sacrifice of our men and women, old and young alike in uniform," said James Joyce Ramble's director,  Martin Hanley. “These are our neighbors, our sons, daughters, brothers and sisters just doing their job.”

Ramble organizers say that the "Memorial Project" plan for the 22^nd running of the race will be a most important aspect of the race this year. The day will be designed to personalize remembrance of an individual's sacrifice.   They hope that the runners will do research on their own to find out more about the individual who they will honor in their six mile run.   The ramble.org website will feature a link where runners can look up information on every fallen hero from the conflict.

On a label affixed to their bib number will be the name, rank and hometown of a member of the armed forces who has lost his or her life during the military campaigns of Afghanistan and Iraq.  The organizers will work closely with the veteran organizations in Massachusetts to bring dignity to this commemoration. 

Hanley emphasized, “This will be non-partisan, non-political, and we intend to reach across the entire community to make it a meaningful program.”

The 22^nd annual James Joyce Ramble is on Sunday, April 24 at the

Endicott Estate in Dedham, MA.  

Information at ramble.org or 781 686 1500. 

Proceeds benefit the Barr Program for basic cancer research at the Dana- Farber.