MOUNT VERNON — Residents are invited to gather at Memorial Park on Sunday at 7 a.m. to launch the 10th Annual Paddle for Heroes Memorial Paddle.

The 160-mile, 6-day water trek will begin with an opening ceremony and an official mayoral proclamation. The community is encouraged to line the riverbanks and cheer on the participants as they take to the water to honor the resilience, service, and memory of our nation’s veterans, first responders, and fallen service members.

The 10th annual expedition is dedicated to the legacy of two local heroes who were killed in action on August 20, 2004, during Operation Iraqi Freedom: PFC Ryan A. Martin of Mount Vernon and 1st Lieutenant Charles L. Wilkins of Columbus.

Both served with Chillicothe’s A Company, 216th Engineer Battalion, losing their lives when a roadside blast struck their convoy’s lead Humvee during a route-clearance mission in Samarra, Iraq.

Residents can also view the expedition at the following locations:
● 8 a.m.: Lower Gambier Road (River Left viewing)
● 8:30 a.m.: Laymon Road Bridge (River Right viewing)
● 9:15 a.m.: Big Run Road Bridge (River Left viewing)

Supporters can follow the team’s six-day journey to Marietta through daily updates on the Paddle For Heroes Facebook page, which will be uploaded as cellular reception allows.