[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14100]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRESSIONAL MEMORIAL TRIBUTE FOR COL. JAMES LOFTUS FOWLER, USMC OF 
                             ALEXANDRIA, VA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. WALTER B. JONES

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 10, 2015

  Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Marine Colonel James 
Loftus Fowler, known as father of the Marine Corps Marathon who died on 
January 20, 2015, at the age of 84.
  On September 14, 2015, the Marine Corps Marathon building, located on 
Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA, will be named Fowler Hall in 
recognition of the Marine whose ``one big idea'' helped make ``The 
People's Marathon'' an enduring event hosted annually in our nation's 
capital.
  It was in October of 1975 that Colonel Fowler and his superior, 
Marine General James Ryan, received approval to establish the Marine 
Corps Reserve Marathon to promote physical fitness and showcase the 
organizational skills of the U.S. Marine Corps while generating 
community goodwill.
  They intended the Marine Corps Marathon would not only provide an 
opportunity for runners to qualify for the time-honored event in 
Boston, but that the Marine Corps Marathon could, over time, improve on 
the public's perception of military members following the Vietnam War.
  While initially under command of the Marine Corps Reserve, the 
Marathon was reauthorized under the Active Duty Marine Corps in 1978, 
as it officially became the Marine Corps Marathon. With just under 
2,000 runners completing the Marathon during the first two years, the 
Marine Corps Marathon grew to encompass thousands more runners from 
across the globe. Each October, Marines and Sailors do us proud by 
joining together to coordinate the MCM, which has expanded to include a 
full weekend of events.
  Today, the Marine Corps Marathon registers 30,000 participants and is 
recognized as one of the largest and most-organized marathons in the 
world.
  ``I could not have predicted that 30,000 would be running the race,'' 
Colonel Fowler said as he saw the event grow. ``I wanted a safe race 
and one where no one would get lost. There were enough problems to 
handle. You don't foresee all of the problems but you deal with them 
the best you can. I think it's been good for the Marine Corps and the 
participants.''
  Fowler also believed the Marine Corps should not present prize money 
``because that changes the nature of the race.''
  ``As Marine Corps Marathon founder, Colonel Fowler will be remembered 
for his powerful impact and for initiating the unique partnership 
between the U.S. Marine Corps, the running community and the public at 
large,'' said MCM Director Rick Nealis.
  On Sunday, October 25, the Marine Corps Marathon will celebrate its 
40th anniversary in Arlington, VA, and our nation's capital with 
thousands lining the streets to cheer the participants.
  Runners and spectators alike will attend the event to also honor our 
men and women in uniform both past and present who defend our nation's 
freedoms.
  While ``The People's Marathon'' will continue to spark personal 
dedication, patriotism and enthusiasm of its participants for many 
years to come, the Marine Corps Marathon will continue to echo Colonel 
Fowler's intent to encourage physical fitness, showcase the United 
States Marine Corps and generate community spirit throughout this great 
nation.

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