Army Preserves Roots In Valley Forge

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. - The U.S. Army Mid-Atlantic Recruiting Battalion at Plymouth Meeting Mall has joined 13 other sponsors supporting the fifth annual Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-Mile Run. The event will be held on Sunday, April 18, at Valley Forge National Historical Park in King of Prussia.

"The United States Army is sponsoring the Revolutionary Run because the park tells a part of our Army's history," said Army Maj. Tim Dugan. Defeated, downtrodden and poorly equipped soldiers of the Continental Army encamped at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-78 were subjected to tireless drilling in tactics by the energetic Prussian officer, Friedrich von Steuben.

"We're helping to preserve our past and tell important stories such as how von Steuben helped transform the Continental Army into a professional fighting force that would eventually become the most powerful Army in the world," said Dugan. "The run promotes good health and physical fitness, something that's also very important to our Army and to our Nation."

The Battalion contributed $1,000 and will showcase a U.S. Army Humvee at the event, all proceeds from which benefit recreation preservation initiatives at Valley Forge National Historical Park. Since its inception, almost $100,000 has been raised for trail improvement projects throughout the 3,600-acre expanse.

The Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-Mile Run also kicks off National Park Week, an annual presidentially proclaimed week of celebration and recognition of America's national parks. The event, sanctioned by Mid-Atlantic USA Track and Field, will also feature a three-mile walk, one-mile youth fun run, family expo emphasizing healthy living and exercise and a "Kids Join the Continental Army" learning opportunity.

Among other supporters are the Run's title sponsor, the Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau; Barrister's Bagels; Chiropractic Spine Center; Crowne Plaza Valley Forge; Embassy Suites Valley Forge; Friends of Valley Forge Park; Lockheed Martin; Logowear House; MJ Ticcino Images; Nolan Painting; PECO Energy; Radisson Valley Forge Hotel; Road ID; Univest National Bank and Trust Company; Westside Wellness Chiropractic Center; YMCA of the Upper Main Line.

For more information about the Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-mile Run, including weekend hotel packages and event registration, visit www.revolutionaryrun.org.

The Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau, Ltd. is a nonprofit, membership-based sales and marketing organization which aggressively promotes the Valley Forge area and Montgomery County as a convention site and leisure visitor destination by encouraging patronage of its 500-plus member hotels, restaurants, attractions and services. The Bureau's web site, www.valleyforge.org, serves residents, visitors, meeting planners and tour operators.