A photo which was taken of two marathon runners, a 9-year-old boy, and a U.S. Marine, instantly went viral after it was posted, and for all the best reasons!
The marine was competing in a 5K marathon when he noticed the little boy struggling while trying to make it to the finish line.
Instead of passing him by, as many already did (especially since it was a competition), the marine slowed down to run with the child.
Source: Seal of Honor via Facebook
The details
Lance Corporal Myles Kerr was relaxing, enjoying some well-deserved leave when he and a few of his fellow marines decided to participate in a local 5K marathon in the town of Charlevoix in Michigan. However, as fate would have it, Kerr soon crossed paths with a young boy named Brandon Fuchs.
Brandon found himself separated from his group, and the child was really struggling to keep going. That’s when the boy reached out to Kerr asking for his help, and the marine was happy to oblige. Instead of worrying about winning a competition with his fellow soldiers, Kerr decided instead to match his pace with the boy, while giving him some encouragement so they could both cross the finish line together.
The online reaction
Kerr’s incredible act of kindness did not go unnoticed. Soon his story was picked up by the Seal of Honor Facebook page as well as several news outlets. The story was also retweeted and shared all over the internet. The response to his good deed was heartwarming. Everyone believed that the marine had made the right call that day.
Comments about the marines actions on YouTube were overwhelmingly positive. In fact, many mentioned how looking at the photo improved their day as well as their general outlook on life and hope for humanity.
"You know every day I have to deal over the phone with people who seem to think that everyone should drop everything and attend to their needs, no matter how trivial they are and no matter what else might be going on in the world around them. Sometimes, it is very hard to remain civil to them. So when I come across something like this, where someone gave up their time and aim for a child… well, I just love it. It reminds me that there are really nice people out there. thank you to that Marine.”
Source: Seal of Honor via Facebook
From time to time, we all need a good reminder, especially if the opportunity to witness such acts of kindness isn’t present in our day-to-day lives. Maybe this story can serve as a reminder to all of us that it doesn’t take much to lift someone up or offer a little encouragement. It’s something we can all do for someone every day!
"I totally applaud what he did, but as for any man….he is certainly wrong about that one! it takes a certain kind of real man to put others before himself, especially in this context. this altruistic and heroic act would not been done by very many others. then, in true hero fashion, he downplays just how amazing of a man he must be.”
Source: Seal of Honor via Facebook
We salute this U.S. Marine who has a heart of gold and truly exemplifies the Marine Corps guiding principle of "Semper Fidelis,” meaning "always faithful.”
Please be sure to share this uplifting story with your friends and family.
