Sarah Neben: Marching for a cause
The roaring sound of high-horsepower engines captured the attention of those gathered to welcome home participants in this year’s 50-Mile March at Werner Park in Papillion.
The drivers of two Chevrolet Corvettes revved their engines loudly to signal to those waiting that yes, the marchers were getting close to the finish line, and it was time to celebrate.
Sarah Neben
Dan, my sister-in-law Lara, her friend Kristy, and I were part of a large crowd (Dan thinks over 1,500) who formed a line in the parking lot of Werner Park to cheer the marchers on as they took their last steps in over 22 hours.
Folks of all ages were there. Several babies joined the crowd, carried in slings by a caregiver. There were elementary-aged kids, teenagers, and those with a lot of gray in their hair.
There were American flags everywhere, many signs, and smiling faces full of pride. There were a few tears shed also, some of them by me.
Some of the signs read “We are so proud of you!” “You rock!” “Way to go, Melissa! You did it!” “Go, Mom, Go!” “You Crushed It!” and “You’ve Made Your March!” (a spin on “you’ve made your mark.”)
My brother, Michael Renken, a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, was participating in this worthy cause for the first time. The march started in 2020 and features participants walking 50 miles from Lincoln to Omaha.
The group gathered on the steps of the State Capitol building in Lincoln on Saturday at 11 a.m.
Following a short ceremony, the marchers lined up in four platoons separated by color: red, white, blue and gold.
The youngest marcher was 11 years old, and the oldest was 74. Dan and I were there to see them off on a hot and muggy morning.
At nearly noon, the call sounded “Five minutes to launch!” And then they stepped off to the sound of sirens, cheers and well wishes.
The march was broken into several different segments, approximately 10 miles in length, followed by a rest period, usually an hour long. It gave the marchers time to recharge, refresh, change clothes and shoes if they wished.
Around 3 p.m., Sydney, Dan and I traveled to their first stop at Stonebrook Exteriors outside of Lincoln on Cornhusker Highway (Highway 6). We were amazed at the number of volunteers helping behind the scenes.
There was food, drinks, cooling towels and more provided to the marchers. Volunteers walked up and down each line of chairs dispensing Tylenol and checking to make sure everyone was doing okay.
It was so hot in the late afternoon, and the first stop was greatly appreciated by everyone. We visited Michael for a bit and then hugged him and wished him well for the rest of his trip.
We told him that Dan and I would be waiting for him at the finish line in Papillion the next morning.
I remember waking up Sunday morning and thinking, “Oh my goodness. They are still out there marching, and here I am lying in bed snuggled under the covers.” It was humbling.
I was so appreciative of the sacrifice and hard work of the participants. It could not have been easy.
After the marchers crossed the finish line, they moved to a small area where they could decompress for a bit.
The area was cordoned off, but when we came around the corner Dan spotted Michael, so we went over to visit him briefly. Dan shook Mike’s hand, and then it was my turn.
I gave him a big hug and then tried to say what had been on my mind and heart as we waited for him to finish. Through tears I said, “Dad would have been so proud of you.”
I wound up crying like a baby. But it was true. I could imagine dad standing there looking at Mike with a big grin on his face, and then dad would have grabbed Mike and nearly choked the life out of him with a huge bear hug.
I wish dad could have been there to see it.
The 50-Mile March motto is “They served for us. We march for them.”
According to the website, “The 50-Mile March organization seeks to raise funds in the form of grants for local nonprofit organizations that directly help our veterans battle PTSD and homelessness.”
Dan was so impressed with the 50-Mile March and the dedication of the participants that he has already signed up to join them in 2027. I might have two loved one’s marching next year.
A veteran and former marcher, Travis, said, “I will continue to fight for those who are still struggling.”
