Sandrock: Miyamura perfect choice for race

By Michael Sandrock (Contact)
Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Hiroshi Miyamura sat in a Folsom Field skybox Monday morning watching thousands of runners and walkers stream through Folsom Field on their way to finishing the 29th annual Bolder Boulder 10K.

After finishing, many walked across a temporary bridge set up to funnel people into the east stands. As the runners walked wearily into the stands, Miyamura recalled a different bridge, one he walked across in silent jubilation 54 years ago after being freed from a prisoner of war camp during the Korean War.

"Have you ever heard of the Freedom Bridge?" he asked a couple of runners who sat enthralled, listening to Miyamura tell how he felt upon being released after 27 months in the prison camp.

"There was not a sound as we walked across, not a sound at all. It was hard to believe we were actually there, crossing the bridge. As soon as I saw the American flag, I knew I was home."

When he reached "Freedom Village," Miyamura was surprised by the sudden glare of publicity awaiting him. A reporter from his hometown paper in Gallup, N.M. had flown in for his release, and there was a glare of floodlights in front of him.

"What the hell is going on?" Miyamura recalls wondering.

A U.S. general approached, explaining that Miyamura had been awarded the Medal of Honor while in captivity. The honor had.....READ MORE

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