15th Annual Memorial Day Mile

15th Annual Easton Memorial Day Mile - 8:30 AM Firehouse Green

Sometimes, making a meaningful impact doesn’t take hours; it takes just 5 to 25 minutes.
That’s exactly what the 15th Annual Easton Memorial Mile offers: a simple yet powerful way for
the community to come together, honor our nation’s heroes, and support local programs.
Fifteen years ago, the Easton Exchange Club, founded in 1947, launched the Memorial Mile as
a way to bring the community together ahead of the town’s Memorial Day Parade. What started
as a “great little race” quickly became a cherished tradition, welcoming runners and walkers of
all ages and abilities.
“It brings the community together, both young and old, runners, walkers, and 169ers; Honoring
our heroes before the parade.”, race committee promoter Dave Beem stated.
For nearly eight decades, the Exchange Club was a cornerstone of service in Easton. Through
the Memorial Mile and other efforts, they consistently gave back by donating thousands of
dollars to local organizations. Last year alone, more than $4,300 was distributed to groups such
as the Easton Senior Center, the Easton Learning Foundation, the Boy and Girl Scouts, and
others.
But after 79 years, the Exchange Club officially closed its chapter, leaving behind a meaningful
question: What happens to a tradition like this?
Determined not to let the race fade, a small group including David Boczar, Victor George, Jeff
Stiller, and Stephen Ehrens stepped up to find it a new home. “We said, this needs a new home,
but it also needs someone who’s really going to carry it forward,” they explained.
That’s when David Boczar suggested reaching out to Val Buckley, Director of the Easton Senior
Center. Val immediately saw the opportunity not just to preserve the race, but to expand its
impact. She and her team partnered with the organizers, and just like that, the Memorial Mile
found its next chapter.
This year, for the first time, all net proceeds will go directly to the Easton Senior Center,
supporting programs that keep Easton’s older residents active, engaged, and connected.
The funds raised will directly benefit a variety of programs at the Senior Center, including:
 Weights & Resistance Band Class
 Balance and Core
 Line Dancing
 Gentle-ish Yoga
 A new walking class focused on cardio
It’s a full-circle moment that honors the past while investing in the community’s future health and
vitality.
What makes the Memorial Mile special isn’t just the race itself, it's the way the entire town rallies
around it. Local schools are getting involved, with Samuel Staples Elementary PE teachers
encouraging students to participate. Sponsors and “Friends of the Race” are stepping up to
support the event, helping ensure its continued success.
For Race Committee member and Easton Sporthill Runner Bernie Sezon, the meaning behind
the mile is simple and powerful:

Subscribe

“The Memorial Mile is more than just a race. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a young child
taking your first stride, we lace up to honor the heroes who gave everything for our freedom.
I’ve always found that a run makes you feel better, but running together to celebrate our country
makes us stronger. Red, white, and blue. Easton together.”
The race will take place on May 25th at 8:30 AM, starting at the Firehouse Green, the same
location as the Memorial Day Parade start. Participants can run or walk the mile, then stay to
enjoy the parade festivities immediately afterward.
Registration:
Sign up at RunSignUp.com (search: Easton Memorial Mile)
Awards Include:
 Youth age group awards
 Awards for every decade (including 80+)
 Youngest Participant and Most Experienced (Senior) Runner
To get involved, contact Val or Randy at the Easton Senior Center: 203-268-1145. At its heart,
the Easton Memorial Mile is about more than running; it's about connection.
It’s about honoring those who served, supporting those who continue to give, and creating a
space where generations come together side by side.
Because in Easton, even a single mile can carry a legacy forward.