We have two fantastic events coming up honoring the men and women who serve to protect us locally and around the world. Our Fallen Officers Bike Race and 5K Run is scheduled for October 15 and the Salute Our Veterans luncheon is November 10.
The purpose of the Fallen Officers Bike Race and 5K Run is to honor Texas police officers who have been killed in the line of duty and provide support for their families. The Highland Village Police Department began this event nine years ago to help support the Texas Chiefs of Police Association’s Officer Survivor Fund. This fund provides financial assistance within 24 hours to the families of Texas police officers killed in the line of duty.
The event will take place at the Shops at Highland Village. A 5K run will take place in the morning then in the afternoon police bike teams from around Texas will be racing to remember their comrades who have been killed in the line of duty. Citizens can also ride the bike race in honor of the fallen and to help raise funds for the Officer Survivor Fund.
In light of the recent killings of the Dallas and DART officers, the event this year will honor those who have fallen in the line of duty. A Fallen Officers Memorial table will be set up at the event to remember those officers who have died since October 2015. A Kids Zone will provide activities for children and we’ll have laser tag this year too. K-9’s for Freedom & Independence will be there with several of their service dogs. We’ll have music, vendors, the great food found at the eateries in The Shops at Highland Village and public safety vehicles and equipment.
There are several ways you can support this event. There is a silent auction, raffle prizes and memorial T-shirts for sale. Check out www.TXFallenPD.com for all the details.
Again this year the HVPD is partnering with the Highland Village Business Association’s Restaurant Week to showcase Highland Village restaurants. Restaurant Week will take place from October 9-15 and participating restaurants will give a portion of their sales to the Fallen Officer Fund. Restaurants participating this year include Baskin Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Edison Coffee Co., The Flour Shop Bakery, Freddy’s Frozen Custard, Fresco’s Mexicana, Nestle Tollhouse Café, Potbelly Sandwich Shop and Snuffer’s. I hope you’ll try a new restaurant or visit your favorite eatery and help support our local businesses and the fund. You’ll want to check TXFallenPD.com for the details.
Our goal is to raise $30,000.00 for families of Officers that have lost their life in the line of duty. This is the sixth year that the race will be held at the Shops at Highland Village – we anticipate a large crowd will come to support the race, the Officer Survivor Fund and enjoy the entertainment. I hope to see you there!
On November 10 we are hosting the Salute Our Veterans luncheon which honors the men and women who have fought to keep our country safe and free. This event has grown so much we now hold it at the Hilton Garden Inn in Lewisville. The Highland Village Business Association takes sponsorships from local businesses and residents so the veterans and a guest can attend at no charge. This is the most memorable event we hold as we “pass the mic” and let each veteran tell us their name, branch of service and a little something about their time in the military. We have young and old veterans attend and they love the camaraderie found at this event. We love hearing the stories of these men and women and paying our respects to them for their service. If you are a veteran, we would be honored if you’d attend the event.
Over the years a slide show of pictures of our area veterans has been shown and we are always eager to add to that presentation. If you are a veteran and have a picture from your time in the service, or if you have a relative you’d like honored, we want those pictures. You can scan your picture and send to us via email to [email protected]. Be sure to include the name, rank, and branch of service in the email. You can also call us at 972-899-5131 to schedule a time to come by and we’ll be happy to scan your picture for you. Please send us your pictures by October 28.
The event is also the forum for Congressman Burgess’ awarding of Congressional Commendation to local Veterans. If you’d like to sponsor the event or attend, just contact the city at 972-899-5131 or email them at [email protected].
I encourage you to help us pay tribute to those who have made the decision to risk everything for our freedom and safety. These men, women and their families deserve our respect and honor. I hope you’ll donate to or attend these events.
