A Burlington, Massachusetts, police officer walked for 24 hours to support fallen heroes and their families on Memorial Day. Army veteran Jake DeSantis took to the track at Burlington High School and made loops for 24 straight hours to raise money for the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes organization and to raise awareness about veteran suicides.
The vet was inspired to do this after two friends he was stationed with died by suicide last year. “I wanted to spread awareness and shed a light on the veteran community as well and really … just show my respects to them,” DeSantis explains.
The weather was cold and rainy, which added an extra challenge to the tough event, but it didn't stop him from reaching his goal. “At the end of it, there’s not gonna be a second, not gonna be a step when I’m not thinking about someone who’s given that blood sacrifice,” DeSantis says. “Every step that I take is one more step that’s gonna spread awareness.”
Source: WHDH