SW029 Virtual March Honors Seminole Wars Combatants

This week guest host Steven Rinck, president of the Seminole Wars Foundation, interviews Patrick Swan about The Major Dade Memorial March, a 103-mile virtual challenge that takes hikers on a virtual footpath along the entire unbroken length of the old Fort King Military Road. Similar to the Inca Trail in Peru and Hadrian’s Wall path in England, entrants “walk” (or run) a renowned route steeped in history. This episode discusses how the Army used the Fort King Military Road, how the Second Seminole War began on this road, why it is important to walk the terrain where famous battles occurred, and everything one may want to know about how to participate in this memorial march, including registration fees, benefits, and what exercises are permitted to complete it. Registration opened Veterans Day 2020 and the mission itself launches Dec. 22, 2020 and is open for 90 days after that. Frequently Asked Questions and the registration links are available by visiting www.seminolewars.us

Patrick Swan, the regular host for the Seminole Wars, devised this virtual challenge in cooperation with myvirtualmission.com, which sponsors various fitness challenges at notable sites around the globe. He himself recently walked the length of Roman Hadrian's Wall path in England in a virtual challenge as well as walking it physically in 2016 over 7 consecutive days. He offers insights in what one learns from trekking such distances in person and virtually and how taking the journey along the Fort King Military Road will provide one a greater understanding for significant aspects of the Second Seminole War. 

Patrick Swan is a board member with the Seminole Wars Foundation. He is a combat veteran and of the U.S. Army, serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Kosovo, and at the Pentagon after 9/11. A military historian, he holds masters degrees in Public History, Communication, and Homeland Security, and is a graduate of the US Army War College with an advanced degree in strategic studies. This podcast is recorded at the homestead of the Seminole Wars Foundation in Bushnell, Florida. 

Like us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Get the latest episode without delay where and when you want it by subscribing through your favorite podcast provider, such as iHeart, Stitcher, Spotify, DoubleTwist, Pandora, Podbean, Google podcasts, iTunes or directly from the Seminole Wars Foundation website at www.seminolewars.us