Remembering is sometimes hard to do. In one instance, it can be difficult to recall a vague but happy memory, and on the other hand, it can physically hurt when memories are vivid.

For James Reeves, most recollections of his eldest son, Joshua, elicit both emotions.

Reeves’ son was killed in action in Iraq on September 22, 2007, at the age of 26. The day of Joshua’s death was particularly devastating because it came one day after the birth of his son, Jackson.

James Reeves said the memorial to Joshua came out of an emotional moment he experienced soon after his son’s passing.

“When Josh was killed, we just needed to get out of the house for an afternoon. We went to La Parilla, there was a soldier in uniform, and so I went up to him and introduced myself,” Reeves said. “He didn’t know about Josh, but I gave him the brief story of my son and told him I’d like to buy him lunch. He agreed. That was pretty much it.”

The encounter at La Parilla may have just been standard niceties for Reeves, but for the soldier, it meant an opportunity to help a fallen comrade’s family.

The Army and Air Force ROTC soon informed Reeves they were planning an event to bring light to the devastating occurrence.

“[They] let me know they had decided to do something and asked for my permission . We didn’t initially know what it would be,” Reeves said.

The entire family soon found out exactly what the ROTC had been planning – and it came together perfectly.

Reeves said on the day of the run, he felt more than just support from friends and family around him, he felt the love of his son radiating from each runner.

“What I thought was really moving was the spirit that was there. A lot of people run for the fun of it or health, but it seemed that they were running with a different purpose,” Reeves said. “Not just to enjoy the day . they were really in tune with Josh, and his spirit.”

Last year, Reeves said a few words about his son before the race, but this year a different speaker will take a turn.

“The race will start with a memorial service at 8:30 a.m., and the University’s Head football coach Mark Richt will speak, then Joshua’s younger brother will give the invocation,” said Alex Webb, an Air Force cadet from Woodstock in charge of the race this year.

James Reeves is just excited to see the race continue on for another year in Joshua’s favorite city.

“There are so many memories of Josh in Athens. He loved Athens.”