MARQUETTE, MI-- A Marine veteran spent his Memorial Day honoring fallen friends and colleagues by walking from Marquette to Munising.
It’s the second year in a row Matthew Viamontes of Wetmore attempted the 43-mile walk. ABC 10 says he wanted to draw attention to those who died protecting America’s freedoms.
Viamontes started his walk down M-28 at 6 a.m., carrying the United States flag by his side. He said he wanted to sacrifice his holiday to raise awareness of the struggles those in the military face.
“This is what it’s about,” Viamontes said. “I’ve lost friends. I think most of us take for granted what Memorial Day is about. Looking back on the people who have died to protect our flag, protect our freedoms, and originally bring the country together.”
Viamontes says he may do the walk every Memorial Day from now on.
