Miami-Dade Gym Organizes Special Event to Commemorate Memorial Day and Honor Fallen Soldiers

Miami-Dade County, Florida: On Monday, the holiday of Memorial Day, some of us woke up a little later than usual, went to the beach or pool, or fired up the grill at home. But, some of us arrived early at a CrossFit club in southwest Miami-Dade with a specific objective in mind.

In honor of slain Navy Seal Lt. Michael Murphy, who was killed in Iraq in 2005 while defending others, participants flocked to the Team Soul Miami gym, located at 8354 SW 40th St., early on Monday morning for the mental, physical, and emotional challenge.

Participant Omar Figueroa advised, “The way to get through this workout is to think you have one more day to live, that those individuals right now do not have.”

Giorgio Rapicavoli, another participant, said, “It’s going to be terrible, we are going to suffer, it’s going to be very difficult, but what matters is that we do it.”

Every breath Figueroa takes is dedicated to his departed friend.

He declared, “We have a fallen comrade named Victor Cologne.”

Rapicavoli is now pushing himself to the edge as he completes the challenge for the second time.

“I’m doing it with a weight vest for the first time this year,” he stated.

SEE MORE – Public Housing Residents Facing Higher Costs for Air Conditioning, Is It High To Pay?

Danny Soul, a coach and gym owner, stated that today is special because their sweat represents much more than just a successful workout.

“Some people are more contemplating the various personal challenges they have faced in life and the implications for their families,” he stated.

With a little training, all of them have the desire and determination to complete the task; some took as little as 45 minutes, while others took 60, and some took 90.

“I feel safe and I don’t have to worry about going home, so I guess today is a big thank you to everyone,” Rapicavoli said. “I know a lot of people put their lives in danger so I can get to have that luxury.”

“It was amazing, but it was also brutal and extremely hard—probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.”

To honor those who gave their all, it was the ultimate workout.