The Heartwarming Story Behind Viral Photo of Marine Who Lost 5K to 9-Year-Old Boy

A photo of a United States Marine hanging behind during a 5K race to accompany a 9-year-old who lost his group recently went viral on Facebook, and has since been picked up by national and international news outlets alike.

According to the "Seal of Honor" Facebook page, which posted the photo, the child was struggling to finish on his own when he asked the Marine, "Sir, Will you please run with me?"

(Photo: Facebook/Seal of Honor)

"Throughout the course, [Lance Cpl. Myles Kerr] urged him on when the boy wanted to give up and ensured that the boy saw the course to completion where he was reunited with his party," the accompanying message reads. "By his unwavering commitment to help those in need through his ability to inspire others by his unequivocal level of motivation, Lcpl Kerr reflected great credit upon himself and was keeping in the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps."

The photo has been "liked" more than 200,000 times on Facebook as of this article's writing, and countless more have seen the story on various news outlets.  The boy has since been identified as 9 year-old Brandon Fuchs, and the race took place in Charlevoix, Michigan.

Kerr has been inundated with praise since the photo went viral, but humbly responded:  "I was just doing what any man would do, but thank you!"

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/Myles_Kerr/status/362568289035100161"]

Kerr also wrote that the family of the 9-year-old got him a $100 gift card as a "thank you" after the race, saying "#godbless" on Twitter.

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/Myles_Kerr/status/362604453104332800"]

In the midst of the story gaining traction and popularity, he wrote:

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/Myles_Kerr/status/362603651807711232"]

Newsbreaker is one of many to report on the story:

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