Follow-up Report: 5K Benefit in Memory of USN SEAL Lt Michael P. Murphy Bethpage, NY

September 21, 2008

A sunny, crisp clear morning for a 5K run. Over 500 participants were on hand, with many more there to pay tribute to Lt Murphy's memory and sacrifice. New Island Hospital's planners ran out of event t-shirts and goodie bags, only 200 people had preregistered for the event! The day turned out to be an enormous success, and the tremendous efforts of the hospital staff were evident at every turn. Participants came from all over Long Island and NYC-cross country teams from local high schools and colleges, NYC and local firefighters, active-duty personel and veterans from all branches of the military, police officers and first responders, hospital staff, nurses and doctors, running club teams, and on and on. Family members of Lt Murphy also ran and walked and lent support to his parents, Dan and Maureen Murphy. Dan Murphy brought Michael's Medal of Honor, Presidential Citation, Trident, and Flag. These were on display for anyone to look at, while being closely guarded by a blue-star mother of a Navy SEAL. Challenge coins were available for purchase, these coins are the only ones with the Medal of Honor on them. Many people stopped at a table set up for writing notes to the Army company serving in Afghanistan in the area where Operation Redwing members and Lt Murphy made the ultimate sacrifice. The atmosphere was supportive and respectful. Patriot Guard members lined the field with American Flags, and were a visual reminder of the reason for being there. It was a day I will not soon forget. Rest in peace Murph-LIG

USN SEAL Lt Michael P. Murphy 

                          Medal of Honor Recipient                                          

Lt Michael P. Murphy's Medal of Honor

9-21-08 Lt Murphy 5K Benefit Coin

9-21-08 Lt Murphy 5K Benefit Coin2

 New Island Hospital 5K Run/Walk in honor and in memory of

                                           Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy

                           Impressive Military Ceremony and Enormous Success

Run 2008 start

Bethpage, New York September 23, 2008……..New Island Hospital held its first 5K RUN/WALK in honor and memory of Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy on Sunday, September 21, 2008 at Bethpage State Park Polo Grounds. The competitive run was attended by 510 runners. Aaron E. Glatt, MD, President & CEO of New Island Hospital and Jack Howlett, Chairman of the Board of Directors thanked runners, sponsors and on-lookers for supporting this event so strongly.

An impressive military ceremony was held in memory of Lt. Murphy after the run. The United States Navy sent an Honor Guard of Sailors, and the Vietnam Veterans of America both presented arms and presentation of colors, while Michael Fries sang the National Anthem. The Nam Knights, Patriot Guard Riders, Marine Corps, Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Bethpage Fire Department, runners, walkers and guests all came to attention, to honor our country, our troops and a great American hero, Lt. Michael P. Murphy.

Presentation of Colors

U. S. Navy Commander Gregory Erickson, Commanding Officer NOSC in Amityville, who knew Lt. Murphy spoke about Long Island's Medal of Honor recipients from World War I to the present and gave tribute to all of our military members serving overseas. Congressman Peter King, an Honorary Co-Chair, gave a moving tribute to our troops and Lt. Murphy’s sacrifices.  Lt. Michael Murphy’s parents Dan & Maureen Murphy were honorary Co-Chairs of this event and New Island Hospital thanked them for supporting the hospital’s efforts to raise funds for the soon to be named Lt. Michael P. Murphy Emergency Room..

Overall, it was a great day with beautiful weather and a large turnout.  If you would like to contribute to this please visit New Island Hospital's at www.newislandhospital.org and look for the 5K RUN under Community Events.

5K Run 2008 Winner

RUN 2008 tee shirts