Memorial Day on Long Island, New York, will see gathering like few others in memory of Navy SEAL and posthumous Congressional Medal of Honor winner Lieutenant Michael Murphy.
According to organizers, 200 cross-fitters, including current and former SEALs, will “Murph'' and attend a the dedication of the new granite monument honoring the 20 SEALs and Night Stalkers of Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan in 2005.
All will be taking part in “The Murph Challenge” and the dedication of a new granite memorial commemorating those lost eighteen years ago.
Stated a release: "The Murph Challenge is a popular workout performed worldwide every Memorial Day named after Lt. Murphy to honor his sacrifice and service, and all who have given their lives on behalf of our country.
"Servicemen and women, celebrities, and regular citizens alike, participate at hundreds of locations globally. 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of The Murph Challenge, and the first-ever held at the museum."
The museum is dedicated to Murphy and his fellow SEALS.
Continued the release: "The workout, which was 'Murph’s' favorite, is a grueling test of physical and mental endurance. It consists of a one mile run, 100 pull ups, 200 push ups, 300 squats, and another one mile run - with men wearing a 20-lb. weighted vest, and women in a 14-lb vest.
"The Murph Challenge is the official annual fundraiser of the LT Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation, presented by Forged. Since 2014, Forged has raised over $2 million for the Foundation, which now awards 27 scholarships annually.
"The beautiful new multi-panel black granite memorial weighs more than 15,000 pounds and measures roughly 16 feet wide by 7 feet tall. The center panel features a portrait of Michael and the citation of the Medal of Honor he was awarded posthumously.
"The two facets flanking Michael feature the names and images of the 20 SEALs and soldiers of Operation Red Wings. Next to their portraits, the creeds of Navy SEALs and Army Night Stalkers are proudly engraved."
The challenge is set for Monday, May 29, Memorial Day in the grounds of the LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum, 50 West Avenue, West Sayville, NY. Registration time is 8 .a.m with first heat at 9 a.m. The monument dedication will take place at 1 or 2 p.m. depending upon athlete completion.
A not-for-profit 501c(3) charitable foundation, the LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum is the only SEAL Museum on the east coast and just the second in the USA. Designed to educate the public on the history and missions of our Special Operators and this elite branch of the Navy, the Museum preserves and shares the history and honor of all US Special Warfare Operators who have served and sacrificed for the United States.
More on the LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum and Sea Cadet Training Facility at www.MurphSealMuseum.org.
The LT Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation 501c(3) was started in 2007 by Michael’s parents, Dan and Maureen, and Michael’s brother John. Michael was an avid reader and felt that education was key. The Foundation is funded through donations and proceeds from The Murph Challenge. The Foundation now awards over 27 scholarships annually.
