Urban Meyer's quest to equip his players with life lessons and instill patriotic pride in late May was fast approaching. He had organized so many enriching sessions as part of his self-created "Patriot Week" program, but with players set to soak up knowledge for themselves, Meyer, Ohio State's fifth-year football coach, began to wonder what more could be done to effect change for others.
"And then we said, 'Wait a minute, let's tie it right into Memorial Day and honor the men and women who have protected our country for so many years,'" Meyer told ESPN.