SLIPPERY ROCK — Cadets from Slippery Rock University's ROTC program will participate in a long-distance training march that is being held as part of the region's March for the Fallen events.

The march is a series of events that honor soldiers who have fallen while defending the nation.

This year cadets from SRU will participate in a 26.2-mile “ruck march,” at Moraine State Park.

A ruck march is a long distance training activity where cadets march with backpacks, or rucksacks, loaded with at least 35 pounds of gear. The SRU battalion will be joined by other ROTC units from across the Northeast, the school said.

Ruck marches are typically 12-mile treks, but Lt. Col. Jeffrey Barta, a professor of military science, said SRU's program decided to more than double the distance as they prepare for a summer training camp at Fort Knox, Ky.

In all, 70 cadets from SRU's battalion will participate in the march through either assisting at aid stations along the trail, marching a portion of the course, or completing the entire 26.2 miles.

The ROTC welcomes members of the public to attend as spectators, visitors or participants. Everyone should meet at Lakeview Beach on the park's North Shore at 8 a.m. April 29.

A registration form to is available at: http://bit.ly/2pVSCqY.