Stonington—The Coast Guard Foundation has announced this year's Run to Remember campaign and its commemorative t-shirt campaign.

The foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education and welfare of Coast Guard members and their families, hosts Run to Remember as part a worldwide movement that honors United States Coast Guard heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

Last year, thousands of people participated in road races, memorial walks and other types of fitness events to honor the fallen heroes at 60 different events across the globe. Since its inception in 2011, Run to Remember has raised more than $100,000.

Commemorative t-shirts bearing the names of fallen Coast Guard members are available for $25 each. Proceeds go toward the Fallen Heroes Fund, which provides emergency assistance to the families, friends and shipmates of those who make the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country. The foundation helps pay for the immediate and ongoing needs of the families, including the cost of college for the children, of those who have died in the line of duty.

"This is some of the most important work that the Coast Guard Foundation does," said Anne Brengle, its president. "We support the families of Coast Guard members that have made the ultimate sacrifice, when they need it most. The Run to Remember campaign is special, because it doesn't just raise money; it also raises awareness. Every name on our commemorative t-shirts was a person who gave their life. Every step taken is for them."

To purchase a t-shirt, organize an event or find out what events are in your area, visit the foundation website.

In addition to the various Run to Remember events around the country, two Coast Guard rescue swimmers, Jason McGrath and Jon Houlberg, plan to climb to the summit of Mt. McKinley in Alaska in April to raise additional funds and awareness for the campaign. For more information visit Climb to Remember or on Facebook.

To learn more about the Coast Guard Foundation, or to help support its work, please visit www.coastguardfoundation.org or call (860) 535-0786.