Fourteen Marine Raiders are preparing for the hike of a lifetime to honor the victims of a tragic helicopter crash.

One year ago, 11 Marines perished in a deadly Black Hawk helicopter collision off the coast of Florida. To remember the fallen, Marine Raider Memorial March will set off on the one-year anniversary of the crash from Navarre, Florida and walk for 11 days straight to Camp Lejeune. Once they arrive, the marchers will present a paddle–the only piece of equipment to survive the crash–as symbolic gesture to represent those fallen Marines returning home.

From the Marine Corps Times:

“It’s a way of saying to the families, ‘Hey, we’re still here and this is what your husbands, your fathers or your sons mean to you and what they mean to us,’” said a staff sergeant with the 1st Raider Battalion participating in the march who requested anonymity, citing security concerns. “It’s a way to give back and say that everyone is still here, everyone is still carrying that pack.”

The Raiders are currently gearing up for the event, putting in extra miles after duty and coordinating local support along the way.

“We all ruck and run a lot as it is; we generally try to stay in shape,” the staff sergeant said. “Now we’re doing a bit more rucking, trying to condition the feet.”

During the 770-mile trek, the Marine Raiders will pass several military bases and installations. Nonparticipating military members will have ample opportunity to offer their support for the Marine Raider Memorial March.

[Marine Corps Times]