Disclaimer
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces It is observed on the last Monday of May.  Memorial Day is also considered the unofficial beginning of summer in the United States.

The first national observance of Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868.  Then known as Decoration Day, the holiday was proclaimed by Commander in Chief John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic to honor the Union soldiers who had died in the Civil War.

In 1971, Congress standardized the holiday as “Memorial Day” and changed its observance to the last Monday in May.

Two other days celebrate those who have served or are serving in the U.S. military: Armed Forces Day (which is earlier in May), an unofficial U.S. holiday for honoring those currently serving in the armed forces, and Veterans Day (on November 11), which honors all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Lieutenant Michael Murphy was a SEAL team member who lost his life serving his country in Afghanistan in 2005 during Operation Red Wings.

On the morning of June 28th, Lt. Michael Murphy and Petty Officers Danny Dietz, Matthew Axelson, and Marcus Luttrell were dropped into the mountains of Afghanistan, only to be ambushed by more than fifty militiamen after a local accidentally wandered onto their position and gave it up.

The four soldiers were heavily outnumbered, but put up a strong fight. During the ambush, Lt. Murphy risked his own life by coming out from cover, finding a signal, and calling for help.

Murphy, Dietz, and Axelson died that day along with 8 additional SEALS and 8 Army Night Stalker service members when their helicopter was shot down in its pursuit of saving the 4 men.

The Murph workout is done for time and consists of:

  • A one-mile run
  • 100 pull-ups
  • 200 push-ups
  • 300 squats
  • Another one-mile run

Dr. Joshua Appel, the chief of emergency medicine for the Southern Arizona Veterans Administration Health Care System served as an Air Force pararescueman in 2005.

He was the team leader that helped rescue Marcus Luttrell and recover Michael Murphy and Danny Dietz. He kept the body armor he wore when he recovered Murphy’s body.

Two years later he decided to gather everyone at his CrossFit gym to do the “Murph” on Memorial Day to recognize Michael Murphy and those who have lost their lives in active service.

They continued to do the workout every year until 2010, when Dr. Appel contacted Michael’s father, Dan Murphy and asked if he could start a national fundraiser.

Pledge:

Warm Up:
SSH
Imperial Walker
Stretch

The Thang:  Murph

CoT:
Count off
Words from the Nantan:  Men’s retreat is being planned with a varied agenda from health/wellness to financial.  Shout out for topics Pax would like covered.  Whoopee particularly interested in Fluid Mechanics, Stroganoff seemed particularly excited (if you know what I mean)
Recognize veterans
Recognize family veterans
22 for the Vets – Merkins

Announcements:
Snooze starts this coming Friday 6/2 at 6:45 am, Short Sale leading this off, summer AO, McAdenville, details on Slack
Annihilation this Saturday at The Yank, Boudin Q
PT Summer challenges starts the week of 6/3-6/11, more information on First F channel, reach out to your shield locks, this will help you roll into the Iron Pax, see Flintstone as well for questions
Memorial Day Ceremony at Gaston Memorial Park at 10:00 am, Gaston Symphony Band will play
2nd F next Saturday, Family Fun Day in Forest City, Bike trail at 10:00 for one hour, eat Mexican restaurant and rendezvous at the retro 80’s arcade.  Purple Haze heading this up
7/4/23 Yank will host one hour work out starting at 7:00 am followed by reading of The Declaration of Independence and a sermon.  Town of Belmont expected to have some involvement
As Wirenut said, “Freedom ain’t Free”

Prayers:
Jackson Hall
Family, lift each other up
Doodles on upcoming Mission trip
Gump and family
Those reflecting on lost loved one’s this Memorial Day weekend

Close

Honored, Linus