Maine vet salutes troops one step at a time

GLENBURN, Maine (AP) — A Maine military veteran is hoping for a big finish for his unusual way of honoring the nation's fallen military personnel.

Jacob Marquis, of Glenburn, plans to complete his goal of "one step for each sacrifice" during the Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday.

Marquis said he's aiming to complete more than 1 million steps. Based on his research, that equates to one step for every U.S. combat death since the Revolutionary War. He says he usually takes about 1,500 steps per mile, so his goal was to run close to 700 miles.

Marquis, who carries the Stars and Stripes when he runs, said it has taken four years to near the goal.

The conclusion will be Sunday around mile 24 of the Marine Corps Marathon, which takes runners along the Potomac River in Washington and Arlington, Virginia.

The weather forecast calls for dry conditions, mostly sunny skies, and temperatures in the 70s.

Marquis said his wife, dad and sister will be there at the finish line.

He served 10 years in the National Guard in Maine and Connecticut. He said he appreciates every honk, wave or thumbs up that he gets while running.

"I'm just really happy that I've been able to bring some attention to the number to veterans, their sacrifices and what the flag means to me," he said.