Beekmantown students launch final push for 2026 North Country Honor Run

BEEKMANTOWN | Beekmantown Middle School students are entering the final days before the 2026 North Country Honor Run on Saturday, May 16 at the U.S. Oval in Plattsburgh, and organizers say the community's support will be critical as students work toward what they hope will become their biggest event yet. The North Country Honor Run supports North Country Honor Flight, an organization that provides veterans with an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials built in their honor. This year's flight includes veterans from 16 communities across Northern New York and Vermont, including three veterans connected to Beekmantown families. The event begins with an emotional send-off ceremony at 7:00 a.m. as veterans depart the U.S. Oval for Plattsburgh International Airport. Runners, walkers, families with strollers, children on bikes, motorcycles, police cars, fire trucks, and emergency vehicles then join the escort procession as veterans begin their journey to Washington, D.C. Organizers say the North Country Honor Run is much more than a race. At the turnaround point of the 5K course, firefighters from across Clinton County and beyond line the roadway in uniform beneath a massive American flag suspended between aerial ladder trucks, saluting veterans as they pass. Music, sirens, cheering crowds, motorcycles, flags, and emergency vehicles combine to create what organizers describe as an emotional and unforgettable atmosphere. "We want everyone to come out," organizers said. "Even if you don't run or walk, come help us send off our veterans." The event includes a 5K run, 1-mile walk, and a Kids' Bike Brigade, along with family activities at the Oval, including raffles, giveaways, bounce houses, face painting, hair tinsel, refreshments, and prizes. Organizers are also planning a patriotic bike decorating station for children participating in the Bike Brigade, as well as a "Most Patriotic Attire" competition. This year's giveaways include two bicycles, a scooter, 15 helmets, and many additional raffle prizes. "I hope everyone gets to feel the excitement and love in the air because it's very special," said seventh grader Josephine VanCour. "Many veterans say it's the best day of their lives." The project traces its roots back to a 9/11 assembly at Beekmantown Middle School in 2018, where students spent time with veterans, first responders, and community organizations discussing service, remembrance, and sacrifice. Students left that experience with three goals: spend more time with veterans, raise money for Honor Flight, and attend a veteran sendoff ceremony. What began as a small student idea has since grown into a major student-led community project that many Beekmantown students now consider part of the school's legacy. Students launched their first major Honor Flight fundraiser in 2019, raising more than $19,000. While the COVID pandemic temporarily sidelined the project and altered programming at the school, students continued organizing smaller events before bringing the Honor Run back in a major way in 2025, when Beekmantown students raised approximately $35,000 for North Country Honor Flight. If this year's students approach that number again, Beekmantown students will have helped raise nearly $100,000 for veterans through the project since 2019. This year's students have dramatically expanded the project's outreach efforts. Students have sent more than 5,000 emails, built large regional business and professional contact databases, conducted in-person business pitches, created radio advertisements, participated in media interviews, developed social media campaigns, performed a play for elementary students, created Mail Call cards for veterans traveling on Honor Flight, and met directly with veterans throughout the school year. "Speaking to businesses or adults in the community felt so powerful and important," said seventh grader Avery Palmer. "I loved getting to talk to everyone to persuade them to help." Students have also expanded the project's outreach well beyond Clinton County, noting that North Country Honor Flight serves veterans from throughout the broader North Country region, including Watertown, the Adirondacks, Saratoga, Vermont, and beyond. Since 2013, North Country Honor Flight has transported more than 1,000 veterans to Washington, D.C., including over 100 veterans from Vermont, as well as veterans from New Hampshire and Quebec. Honor Flight originally began as a race against time to honor surviving World War II veterans. Over time, the mission expanded to include veterans from the Korean War, Cold War era, and especially Vietnam veterans — many of whom returned home without the recognition and welcome they deserved. Students say the project is ultimately about gratitude, respect, and making sure veterans understand that their service matters. "I wish he was here with me now, so I am glad other people's loved ones get to go on the Honor Flight and they can hug like I never got to hug my grandfather," said Beekmantown seventh grader Connor Cantrell, whose grandfather served in the Air Force. "What these seventh graders are accomplishing is amazing," said North Country Honor Flight Executive Director Barrie Finnegan. "Their professionalism and preparation is a joy to watch. While the funding is crucial to keep our planes flying, the public awareness they are creating is just as valuable. The real winners in all this are the students though. They are coming away with an understanding that freedom isn't free, and that if you work really hard at something you can accomplish great things." "North Country Honor Flight is incredibly grateful to the students of Beekmantown Middle School for their hard work, dedication, and support," said Jerika Manning, Executive Officer of North Country Honor Flight. "Their efforts and enthusiasm play a vital role in helping us provide local veterans with the trip of a lifetime to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials built in their honor. Fundraisers like this make these missions possible. It is inspiring to see young people demonstrating such patriotism, enthusiasm, and respect for those who served our country. This event truly helps ensure that our veterans are never forgotten, for generations to come." This year's students have also launched two major initiatives leading into race week: "Mission 500," a goal of reaching 500 participants at the event, and "Honor Run 100," an effort to recruit 100 businesses, organizations, professionals, and community members willing to support veterans through a $100 donation. Organizers encourage the public to participate, donate, or simply attend the ceremony and community sendoff. Any amount is appreciated. "We run so they can fly." EVENT INFORMATION North Country Honor Run Saturday, May 16 U.S. Oval – Plattsburgh, NY Ceremony begins at 7 a.m. LINKS Registration: https://runsignup.com/NorthCountryHonorRun Donations: https://runsignup.com/NorthCountryHonorRun/donate North Country Honor Flight Applications: http://www.northcountryhonorflight.org/application-forms.html

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Beekmantown students launch final push for 2026 North Country Honor Run

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