Lebanon veteran hikes to honor fallen soldiers
A Lebanon Marine veteran is taking the extra mile — or 17 — to honor fallen soldiers this Memorial Day.
Cody Woelke will hike from the Wilson County Veterans Memorial to the fourth annual Field of Honor flag sale in Mt. Juliet to raise awareness of the purpose of Memorial Day.
"Memorial Day is about the ones we've lost and sacrifice," Woelke said. "That's why I just want to bring to people's attention that it's more than a three-day barbecue."
The hike is also in honor of his fellow Marine and friend, Sgt. Stephen Keyes, who took his own life in 2013.
Woelke will carry a backpack and a Marine Corps flag, no matter the weather conditions.
"Tomorrow's about sacrifice," he said.
His journey begins at 5 a.m. and is expected to end at 2 p.m., in time for the sale's closing ceremony.
Field of Honor is a fundraiser for the American Legion Tyler Cates Post 281 and West Wilson Exchange Club at Mt. Juliet Road and Division Street.
Reach Jen Todd at 615-313-2760 or on Twitter @jentoddwrites.