2011 — The First Steps
Amy Cotta began running in her son's combat boots after he left for Marine Corps boot camp. What started as a mother's tribute would become the foundation of a movement that honors all fallen heroes.
11 Years of Honoring Heroes
November 14, 2025
50% of nonprofits don't make it past their first year.
70% don't make it past 5 years.
We are celebrating 10 years.
Birth of a Movement
Every great movement begins with a single, powerful moment. For Memories of Honor, that moment came on the roads of Chattanooga, Tennessee, in September 2014.
One Mother's Tribute
In 2011, Amy Cotta began a deeply personal ritual. When her 18-year-old son left for Marine Corps boot camp, she started running in combat boots — a mother's way of staying connected to her child and honoring his service.
Little did she know that this simple act of love would inspire a nationwide movement that would honor thousands of fallen heroes.
The Inaugural Ironman Chattanooga
On September 28, 2014, at the inaugural Ironman Chattanooga race, something extraordinary happened. What began as one mother running in boots became a collective moment of honor. Athletes carried combat boots. They ran memorial miles. They said the names of the fallen.
The response was overwhelming. Strangers became family. Tears flowed freely. And in that moment, everyone present knew they had witnessed something sacred — the birth of a movement.
"We realized that day that remembrance isn't just a moment — it's a mission. And that mission became Memories of Honor."
— Amy Cotta, Founder
From Movement to Mission
On November 14, 2015, Memories of Honor was officially founded as a nonprofit organization. What had been a grassroots movement became a registered mission dedicated to ensuring that no fallen hero would ever be forgotten.
Our Journey: 11 Years of Impact
September 2014 — Birth at Ironman Chattanooga
On the inaugural Ironman Chattanooga course, the movement was officially born. Athletes carried combat boots, ran memorial miles, and honored fallen heroes in a way that would inspire thousands to come.
November 14, 2015 — Official Founding
Memories of Honor (originally Medals of Honor) was officially founded. A grassroots movement became a registered nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that the memory of our fallen heroes lives on forever.
2016-2019 — Building the Programs
We launched our signature programs: MD365 daily remembrance initiative and Music Remembers healing concerts. Each program designed to honor, remember, and support.
2020-2024 — Expanding Our Impact
Despite global challenges, we grew to serve 1,600+ Gold Star families annually and reached all 50 states. Our mission spread coast to coast.
November 14, 2025 — 11 Years Strong
Today, we celebrate over a decade of honoring heroes. With plans for a permanent Memorial Wall in 2026 and continued growth, we remain committed to ensuring that no hero is ever forgotten.
Against the Odds
50%
of nonprofits fail in their first year
70%
don't make it past 5 years
11
Years Strong
We're Still Here Because of YOU
Every boot placed. Every family served. Every hero remembered. None of it would be possible without our incredible community of supporters, volunteers, and Gold Star families who trust us with their most precious memories.
Together, we've beaten the odds and built something that will last forever.
A Decade of Impact
0
Boots Placed
0+
Families Served Annually
0
States Reached
0
Years of Impact
Looking Forward: The Next 11 Years
As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we're more committed than ever to our mission. In 2026, we'll unveil our permanent Memorial Wall — a lasting tribute where families can visit year-round to honor their heroes.
We'll continue expanding our programs, reaching more families, placing more boots, and ensuring that remembrance remains at the heart of everything we do.
The best is yet to come.
Be Part of Our Story
As we celebrate 11 years, we invite you to join us in honoring heroes for the next decade and beyond.