Memorial Day is a holiday that matters to some more than others, but in reality, it should matter to everyone equally. For those who have lost family members while they served in the military, it’s an important day of remembrance. For others, Memorial Day is treated as an extra day off work filled with barbecue and other fun outdoor activities.
On May 29, 2017, Hollywood stars Chris Pratt and John Krasinski took to social media to honor a fallen Navy SEAL – Lt. Michael Patrick Murphy.
The actors, who were both in the United Kingdom for the holiday weekend, participated in the #MurphChallenge together. This exercise routine was created in honor of Lt. Murphy.
It’s considered one of the hardest workouts ever created.
The routine is as follows:
- 1-mile run
- 100 pull-ups
- 200 push-ups
- 300 air squats
- 1 mile run wearing a 20-pound body vest
According to The Murphy Challenge’s website, “The ‘MURPH’ is more than just a workout, it is a tradition that helps push us, humble us, and dedicate a bit of pain and sweat to honor a man who gave everything he had.”
Pratt and Krasinski posted to their Instagram pages after they both completed the workout. The two were drenched in sweat and completely out of breath.
In their videos, they encouraged fans to learn more about Lt. Murphy and the numerous “brave men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country that we think about and honor today, Memorial Day.”
“It’s a day like today when we commemorate those fallen heroes and say thanks for all you do to make our dreams come true,” says Pratt.
Krasinski follows, “So today, whether you do a Murph Challenge or just take some time to say thank you and remember, remember that’s what today is all about.”
Gyms all across the country are participating in this challenge as well. The challenge raises money and awareness for the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation.
Both actors have experience playing a Navy Seals character on the big screen. Pratt played a DEVGRU operator in the Oscar-award winning film Zero Dark Thirty, and Krasinski portrayed a GRS team member in 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi.
While preparing for his role in Zero Dark Thirty, Pratty followed a Navy SEAL training regimen. He climbed through nets, crawled through sand, and got to see what these SEALs experience on a daily basis.
Pratt says, “I barely touched the tip of what these guys have to go through.”
Memorial Day should serve as a reminder for all of us to thank the brave men and women who sacrifice for our freedom and well-being. They are an important reason why we’re able to do what we love. Take the time to say thank you to those who serve. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way!
To learn more about Lt. Murphy and the Murph Challenge, please visit The Murph Challenge’s website.
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