The Fallen 15

A Memorial Day letter from Evan:

On this Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation and our freedom. We extend our deepest gratitude to all veterans, those currently serving, and the families who carry the weight of service alongside them. May we never forget the courage, devotion, and selflessness of our fallen heroes. Today, we remember them with love, respect, and eternal gratitude.

I Have a Rendezvous with Death
by Alan Seeger

"I have a rendezvous with Death
At some disputed barricade,
When Spring comes back with rustling shade
And apple-blossoms fill the air—
I have a rendezvous with Death
When Spring brings back blue days and fair.

It may be he shall take my hand
And lead me into his dark land
And close my eyes and quench my breath—
It may be I shall pass him still.

I have a rendezvous with Death
On some scarred slope of battered hill,
When Spring comes round again this year
And the first meadow-flowers appear.

God knows 'twere better to be deep
Pillowed in silk and scented down,
Where Love throbs out in blissful sleep,
Pulse nigh to pulse, and breath to breath,
Where hushed awakenings are dear ...

But I've a rendezvous with Death
At midnight in some flaming town,
When Spring trips north again this year,
And I to my pledged word am true,
I shall not fail that rendezvous."

Alan Seeger was an American citizen who fought with the French Foreign Legion during World War I. He was ultimately killed in action during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. Although his words here may seem harsh and bittersweet, they resonate deeply on Memorial Day because they capture the solemn reality of military service. The understanding that duty, honor, and commitment sometimes require the ultimate sacrifice. This poem reflects not only the courage of those who served, but also the emotional weight carried by those who loved them.

The repeated line, “I have a rendezvous with Death,” is powerful because it speaks with calm acceptance rather than fear. Seeger did not glorify death recklessly; instead, he acknowledged that soldiers often confront danger knowingly and willingly because they believe in something greater than themselves. Many military families understand this difficult truth—the awareness that their loved one answered a call that carried real risk.

The poem’s setting in springtime is especially poignant and appropriate for Memorial Day, since spring traditionally symbolizes life, renewal, hope, and beauty. Yet this is contrasted with war and conflict. Memorial Day similarly arrives at the beginning of summer, during a season of gatherings and celebration, while asking the nation to pause and remember those whose lives ended before they could fully enjoy the peace they defended.

We know that soldiers are not indifferent to love, family, comfort, or life at home. They cherish these things deeply. But despite those desires, they remained “true” to their pledged word. That idea of devotion to duty—placing service above personal safety—is something many veterans and their families recognize intimately.

The final line, “I shall not fail that rendezvous,” reflects resolve, honor, and fidelity to one’s oath. For our Fallen 15 community of families and veterans alike, those words echo the memory of service members who fulfilled their duty even at great personal cost.

See you tomorrow!!

Fallen 15 Memorial Day 4-Miler and Virtual 4-Miler

Fallen 15 Memorial Day 4-Miler and Virtual 4-Miler The Fallen 15 Memorial Day 4-Miler and Virtual 4-Miler is on Friday May 15, 2026 to Sunday May 17, 2026. It includes the following events: Fallen 15 Memorial Day 4-Miler IN PERSON and Fallen 15 Memorial Day VIRTUAL 4-Miler.

Meet our Co-Founder

Retired US Army, Lt. Col. Marshall K. Jackson has served in a number of positions throughout his 27-yr career. His last assignment, Lt. Col. Jackson was the Command of Camp Perry Joint Training Center in Sandusky. He retired from the Ohio National Guard in Oct 2022. He served three tours, beginning with Operation Noble Eagle in Nov 2001-Dec 2002. He also deployed to Iraq twice. Once in 2004-2005 and then again in 2010-2011, where he commanded a company in Baghdad.

Major Jackson’s military awards include 2 Bronze Stars, a Combat Action Badge, a Meritorious Service Medal, 2 Army Commendation Medal – 2 Army Achievement Medals – National Defense Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and more.

Lt. Col. Jackson graduated from Capital University in 1994 with a B.A. in Music Education and Music Performance from Capital University’s Conservatory of Music. Lt. Col. Jackson is a former resident of Powell, OH, but currently reside with his wife Amy, and their three boys, Jacob, 17, Josh, 14 and Aiden, 12 in Hudson, OH.

Still time to sign up for our race and picnic! City BBQ
Fallen 15 Memorial Day 4-Miler and Virtual 4-Miler

Fallen 15 Memorial Day 4-Miler and Virtual 4-Miler The Fallen 15 Memorial Day 4-Miler and Virtual 4-Miler is on Friday May 15, 2026 to Sunday May 17, 2026. It includes the following events: Fallen 15 Memorial Day 4-Miler IN PERSON and Fallen 15 Memorial Day VIRTUAL 4-Miler.

Meet our Director Emeritus
Sarah Nicely Bach, MBA, CUBDP, CCUFC

Vice President, Business & Community Development, BMI Federal Credit Union

Began partnering with The Fallen 15 organization in 2014, joined the board in 2018

What the Fallen 15 means to me: While I will never understand the sacrifice that my friends in the military community have made, I am so grateful that they have allowed me to help honor their loved ones, and that the organization has given individuals the opportunity to bond, share their stories, and provide support to one another.

Come meet Sarah at our events:
THIS Sat May 16th- 4 mile Memorial race- Adventure Park, Powell Ohio
Jun 14th The Jerome Twp Car Show in Plain City, Ohio