Ernie is coming. He’s in the County, and he’ll be finishing his historic trek across the country in a little over a week. If you don’t know, Ernie is an almost-93-year-old WWII Naval veteran who has run across the country. He started in San Diego a couple of years ago and has finally reached the end of his journey. I honestly can’t remember if I’ve rambled about Ernie in the past. I did write an article about him a couple of months ago; if you missed the article I wrote in June’s Elegant Island Living, you can read it here http://www.elegantislandliving.net/ernie-s-journey/. 

If you’d like to help celebrate Ernie, there are a few ways to do that. We can also use a few volunteers if you’re interested in volunteering. Almost everything associated with the celebrations for Ernie’s completion have been donated, and Christ Church is a part of this celebration is several ways already. Our main need for volunteers at the moment is for Friday evening, August 19^th as we load items for the next day (we need four people who can lift and carry), and for Saturday, August 20^th. On Saturday we’re looking for about 8 people to meet at the East Beach entrance to the beach to help us set up our stage and set up some small tents, tables and chairs. With many hands it will go quickly and smoothly.

Like many, I was taken with Ernie’s story as soon as I heard it. I want to encourage those who are taken with his story to celebrate him with me, as he makes history on the 20^th.   Here are some specific details on how you can do that:

1. Running with Ernie!

Those who want to run with Ernie should park at the Coast Guard Station parking lot. Cap Fendig’s crew is shuttling runners to the group start for Ernie’s run: the “grassy knoll” where the Causeway splits coming onto the island (where the flags were on the 4^th of July). The first shuttle leaves by 5:45 am or when it is full, if it fills up before then. They will keep taking people up until 6:10 or so. THERE IS NO PARKING at the grassy knoll, so grab a shuttle or park somewhere safe near the causeway roundabout and walk – please watch for traffic.  Ernie will leave the Marina at 6:30. As Ernie comes onto the island, his police escort will stop traffic allowing us to get behind him in the eastbound lane of Kings Way. Note: Ernie and his entourage will be using the right hand lane of Kings Way and Ocean Blvd. from 6:30-8:30. If you’re not a part of the festivities, plan accordingly.

1. Cheer Ernie along his route!

Grab a spot on the route, (Kings Way to Ocean Blvd., to East Beach Causeway/1^st Street) bring your flags and your signs, and give Ernie the love he deserves as he goes by. Bring your friends and neighbors. Note: Ernie and his entourage will be using the right hand lane of Kings Way and Ocean Blvd. from 6:30-8:30. If you’re not a part of the festivities, plan accordingly. If you are, and you plan to move to the beach after he passes you, plan accordingly.

1. Gather on the beach to witness history!

We expect Ernie to finish at East Beach around 8:30 am, give or take. He’ll run through the Coast Guard parking lot, follow the blue sand mat out onto the beach and we’ll be sure to give him a clear path to the water. After he completes his amazing feat, he’ll disappear briefly to clean up and then we’ll have a ceremony on the beach to commemorate this incredible achievement. We’ll have entertainment, water, fruit, t-shirts, and some wonderful presentations. You won’t want to miss it. 

1. Come meet Ernie!

Chances are, there will be too may people on the beach to greet Ernie effectively. As a result, there is a meet and greet drop-in at the American Legion at Gascoigne from 12:00 -3:00 pm. Join us for a free lunch, courtesy of SWEGS Kitchen in LA, meet Ernie, and get your picture taken with him. Some of you will also get to share his birthday cake!

1. Make a donation!

Ernie is running to raise money and awareness for the LST 325 Ship Memorial. You can make donations by going to his website: http://coast2coastruns.com/donate.html

Tom+

O God, who dost turn the hearts of the fathers unto the children, and hast granted unto youth to see visions and to age to dream dreams:  we beseech thee to draw together the old and the young, that in fellowship with thee they may understand and help one another, and in thy service find their perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.