Patchogue Native Lt. Michael Murphy and the Memorial Day 'Murph' Challenge |
How a fallen Navy SEAL from Long Island inspired a nationwide fitness tribute |
 |
Navy file photo of SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy, from Patchogue, N.Y., and sonar technician (surface) Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew G. Axelson, of Cupertino, Calif. (U.S. Navy)
Every Memorial Day, thousands of Americans gather in gyms, parks, and backyards to tackle one of the most demanding fitness challenges in existence. They call it simply 'the Murph' and it is named after a hero from our own community.
Navy SEAL Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy was a Patchogue native, the son of a New York firefighter, who made the ultimate sacrifice during his first combat deployment to Afghanistan in 2005. Today, his legacy lives on through a workout that has become a powerful Memorial Day tradition across the country.
The Workout
The standard Murph challenge is as demanding as the man it honors. Participants complete:
• A one-mile run
Many complete the exercises straight through. Others break them into smaller sets.
During Operation Red Wings in 2005, Murphy's SEAL team was discovered and quickly outnumbered by enemy forces. In a remarkable act of bravery, Murphy exposed himself to heavy enemy fire to establish radio contact and call for assistance.
A Quick Reaction Force helicopter carrying eight additional SEALs was dispatched, but only one member of Murphy's team, Marcus Luttrell, survived the intense fighting.
For his actions, Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor which is the military's highest decoration for valor. The U.S. Navy later named a ship in his honor, the USS Michael Murphy.
The Murph Challenge has become a way for Americans to honor not just Murphy, but all service members who have given their lives in defense of the nation. The physical struggle of the workout serves as a small reminder of the far greater sacrifices made by those in uniform. |