Memorial Day Murph
Every Memorial Day, Crossfitters all over the world do Murph. Here's who Murph is:
Michael Patrick Murphy (May 7, 1976 – June 28, 2005) was a United States Navy SEAL lieutenant who was awarded the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the War in Afghanistan. He was also the first member of the U.S. Navy to receive the award since the Vietnam War. His other posthumous awards included the Silver Star and Purple Heart.
Michael Murphy was born and raised in Suffolk County, New York. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University with honors and dual degrees in political science and psychology. After college he accepted a commission in the United States Navy and became a United States Navy SEAL in July 2002. After participating in several War on Terrorism missions, he was killed on June 28, 2005, after his team was compromised and surrounded by Taliban forces near Asadabad, Afghanistan.
Since his death, a United States Navy destroyer, a post office, a combat training pool at Naval Station Newport, a Sea Cadet unit, a park, and Patchogue-Medford High School have been named in his honor.
The WOD will never come close to the sacrifice the Lt. Murphy made, but I think it is a nice way to honor those who serve. I have the honor of WODing with many military people and it is an honor. Today will be hard for me. My knee is a mess, so I won't be running but rowing. I can't do pull-ups, squats hurt, but I am looking forward to this WOD and I have been all month. It is not a lot, but it is a small tribute to those who serve. While I could never do what they do, I do honor them and appreciate them. I like the thought that Crossfitters everywhere are doing this. It connects us to a larger community and I think Murph would like to know that he's responsible for that. So today I will push myself to my physical limits to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you Murph and all the other soldiers past, present, and future.
Update: I did Murph today and totally rocked it. I walked 800 m instead of running a mile and I modified the moves, but I crushed that workout. I did it in 45:31!! That is 9 minutes faster than last year. 9 minutes!!! Holy Carp!!! 9 minutes. I was very pleased with my performance.
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