PUSH-UP CHALLENGE STARTS NOVEMBER 12

Every year we participate in the annual push-up challenge.  Participating organizations honor the memory of those who died in Vietnam by doing one push-up for every name on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.  

According to the United States Park Service, there are currently 58,286 names engraved on the wall.

A father?  A brother?  A boy friend or husband?

This year, like last year, each company in the battalion will compete as an individual organization.  This means that “A” company will attempt to complete 58,286 push-ups, as will “B” company.  A running total will be kept daily and posted periodically.  Push-up will be performed at the start of class and a single cadet will be designated to collect and record the totals for both companies.

Through the simple act of doing a push-up, we remember the individual sacrifice made by those called to serve their country in Southeast Asia.  The time and collective effort required throughout the year is a reminder of how great was our nation’s sacrifice.  

This is a view of half of the Vietnam Memorial. 

This is a close-up down one leg of the wall--you can see how much space is required to record the over 58,000 names.

This classic image captures just how great an impact the wall has had, especially with Vietnam veterans themselves.

We will begin our push-ups on Thursday, 12 November and a running tally will be kept by company.  Please remember that the challenge is a gesture of respect and remembrance and participate accordingly.