Military service members ran through Waikiki Thursday in memory of the fallen.

A Hawaii-based Naval Special Warfare command hosted the "Run To Remember" honoring sailors who gave their lives in Afghanistan during Operation Red Wings.

The memorial run symbolized appreciation for heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The 5-mile run started at Ala Moana Regional Park and ended at the Operation Red Wings Memorial at Diamond Head.

Operation Red Wings took place in Afghanistan in 2005.  Pearl Harbor-based Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy died along with 18 other service members.  Murphy was later awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award.

Matt Leathers stretched far to the front of the pack and was the first to finish.

"Today's a day to remember these guys," said Leathers.  "When the time comes we have to never forget, and just remember them."

After the run, the participants surrounded the memorial, offered lei and observed a moment of silence.

"We have such a young team of sailors that have never been here so they need to learn that history and they need to learn to understand it," said Commander Stephen Fortmann.

PHOTOS: Run To Remember

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