Why We Do “Murph”: A Memorial Day Reflection

As Memorial Day approaches and the echoes of “Murph” begin to fill the gym once again, one question always rises to the surface:rises to the surface:

“Why do we do this?”

For some, it’s deeply personal—a way to honor a loved one who served or sacrificed. For others, it’s the challenge itself: the miles, the pull-ups, the push-ups, the squats, and the grind of pushing through something difficult. But at its core, Murph has never simply been about fitness.

It’s about remembrance.

Memorial Day is a powerful reminder that freedom is never free. It is paid for by men and women who willingly stood in the gap for something bigger than themselves. It’s a day that forces reflection—not only on those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but on the families, friends, and communities forever changed because of it.

For me personally, Memorial Day carries far more weight today than it once did. With my oldest son now serving in the United States Marine Corps, my perspective has changed completely. Standing on the parade deck at Parris Island watching him earn the title of Marine was one of the proudest moments of my life—but it also brought with it a deeper understanding of sacrifice. The reality is that one day he may be called upon to fight for this country. And with that call comes risk. That truth has given Memorial Day—and Murph—a meaning that hits far closer to home.

At Black Flag Strength & Conditioning, we participate in Murph not simply because it’s hard—but because it represents something far greater than ourselves. When I reflect on why this workout matters, three things continually stand out:

1. Honoring Humanity

The men and women we remember were not superheroes. They were human beings. They had families, dreams, fears, and futures. Murph reminds us that behind every uniform was a person who gave everything for people they would never meet. We honor not just their service—but their humanity.

2. Strength Through Community

One of the most powerful parts of Murph is that nobody suffers alone. The workout brings people together from all backgrounds and fitness levels, united by effort and purpose. It is challenging, humbling, and uncomfortable—and that shared struggle is what creates connection. At Black Flag, this is what community looks like: showing up for one another and carrying the weight together.

3. Respecting the Opportunity

We have the freedom to choose hard things because others sacrificed everything. Participating in Murph—whether scaled, partitioned, weighted, or simply completed with effort—is our way of showing gratitude and respect. We challenge ourselves physically because there are men and women who no longer have that opportunity.

In the end, Murph is more than a workout.

It is remembrance.
It is gratitude.
It is community.
It is perspective.

So this Memorial Day, as you lace up your shoes and prepare for the first step, remember your reason for being there. Carry it with you through every mile, every rep, and every moment of discomfort.

Because Murph is not about proving how fit we are.

It’s about remembering those who gave everything so we have the opportunity to be here at all.

Yours in Fitness,

Thomas M. Rini, MEd.