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EBENSBURG -- After an abbreviated ceremony was held last year, the fifth-annual Cambria County Hero Hike returns at Ghost Town Trail next weekend.
The hike, which will take place as part of Armed Forces Day ceremonies on May 15, will honor active military personnel.
"Armed Forces Day is one of the more overlooked holidays," said Cambria County Director of Veteran Services Zackary Portser. "Everybody knows about Veterans Day or Memorial Day. Armed Forces Day is celebrating those who are serving currently in uniform, wherever they are at."
COVID-19 limited the event last year, officials said, with no ceremony and the hike spread out over one week.
While social distancing measures will still be enforced, organizers said they feel this year's event will return to its normal roots.
"It's a great day to hike, bike or run, but this is also a great way to say thank you to our veterans," Cambria County President Commissioner Tom Chernisky said.
The Hero Hike will begin at 9 a.m. at 1097 First St. in Nanty Glo and ends at 424 Prave St. in Ebensburg.
A brief ceremony will also be held at 1 p.m. at the Pfc. Peter Coleman Memorial Underpass in Ebensburg.
At the ceremony, officials said they plan to tell the story of Coleman, who died defending the U.S. Embassy in Saigon on
Jan. 31, 1968.
The underpass was named in his honor in 2016.
Portser said donations are welcomed but are not required.
All proceeds go to Veterans Community Initiatives.
Mirror Staff Writer Calem Illig is at 814-946-7535.