Memorial Day and Murph

"There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends."

It's Memorial Day... a day most of us enjoy family, friends, cookouts and cold beer. But today is so much more than just a day off from work. Although we need not forget on every other day, this one in particular is a time we need to remember our fallen heroes.

CrossFit is not only a place to meet some of the best people in the world and get your ass handed to you... it is a place that recognizes our country's military and honors those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice with "Hero WODs" (workout of the day). Memorial Day is a special one. Memorial Day we all do "Murph."

Of course you have to wear flags when you do this...

I wish you all could have been there to listen to our coach explain the meaning of this workout and the enthusiasm in his voice... those Marines, they are no stranger to sacrifice and honor... but instead you get to hear me try to regurgitate what he said.

The workout "Murph" is named in memory of Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy and was originally called "Body Armor." Lt. Murphy was a Navy Seal who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his sacrifices in Afghanistan during Operation Red Wings. Murph was the commander of a four men Seal team whose mission was to capture a top Taliban leader, but their hiding place was found out and the team was attacked by Taliban forces. After putting up one hell of a fight, Murph left his covered position, exposing himself to his sure death, in order to get a clear signal to call Headquarters and ask for help for his team. His call was successful and Murph's final words were "thank you."

So on Memorial Day, we work out to honor Murph and every other man and woman who has died fighting for our country. And my favorite part of my gym is that they wave the American flag high for us all to work underneath.

Thanks to whoever took this picture!