The 15-mile run raised money for a veterans organization.
SAYREVILLE -- The footsteps slapped down on the wet pavement as a steady rain soaked a high school senior on a solo "Raise the Flag Run" to support veterans Tuesday.
This run was on the 71st anniversary of the raising the flag on Mount Suribachi on the pacific island Iwo Jima during WW II battle against the Japanese.
The idea for the run came from a research seminar at Wardlaw-Harrtride High School where the 17 year old senior has spent five months studying issues that veterans face. "I hope to raise awareness of the mistreatment of veterans," Brendan O'Brien said.
O'Brien ran to raise money for the Travis Manion Foundation. Manion was a Marine Corps first lieutenant killed in action in Iraq in 2007. The foundation helps veterans and families of the fallen that need help.
Former Marine Mel Meszaros, 76, followed behind the runner in a Jeep the entire route as a safety measure and supplied water. Meszaros always wanted to run a marathon but feels he is a little too old.
"I was behind you and I felt every step was mine," he said, thanking O'Brien.
O'Brien was the captain of his cross country team but had never run 15 miles before.
He started at his school and ended at his Sayreville home. The start and finish lines were important because, "I have somewhere to go to every day and family to go home to." "Not something all veterans can say," O'Brien added.
More than 10 police officers from a variety of police departments provided an escort and traffic control for the run.
A Woodbridge police officer joined O'Brien running stride for stride in her police uniform.
"It was the greatest thing ever," said O'Brien. "Chills down my spine," he added.
"It's a special day for all us veterans that the young take an interest in veterans," said Ken Kelly, an Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam.
The Victory Bridge was very high but the toughest hill was the one closest to home.
The finish line had friends, family and veterans there to greet a "very sore" runner.
O'Brien thanked everyone and posed for pictures with all and received donations for the Travis Manion Foundation.
Veteran Mel Meszaros presented O'Brien with a medal that contained black sand from the beaches of Iwo Jima.
Ed Murray may be reached at emurray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Ed on Twitter at @EdMurrayphoto. Find NJ.COM on Facebook.