The 11th Annual Watermelon Run for the Fallen happens this Saturday. It is the nation’s largest run/walk in honor of those who have fallen in current conflicts. The most local event will be held in Hempstead, Texas. If you are looking for a great cause and a good excuse to exercise, then keep reading to find out more.
When & Where
It happens Saturday morning on August 21st at 6 a.m. in Hempstead. Meet at the Hempstead High School Football Stadium at 500 Donoho Street, Hempstead, Texas 77445. The 5K run/walk will begin on the track and end downtown. The address to the end of the race is: 1000 11th Street, Hempstead, Texas 77445. It ends at the SSG Jeffery Lee Hartley Memorial Gazebo.
Registration
You can pre-register or register at the event Saturday morning. The cost is $30. With your registration you receive a shirt tag with the name of a fallen service member. You will run/walk for him/her. If you pre-register, which unfortunately is too late now, you can select the name of the fallen soldier to honor.
What to Expect
On Saturday all over the United States, people will be walking in honor and remembrance of our brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice. The Hempstead event is done in the honor of SSG Jeffery Lee Hartley. Gold Star families will also be there and honored. The purpose is to help those still grieving to feel supported and not alone. It really is a beautiful reason to get outside and get a little exercise.
Schedule of Events
They are not just planning a 5K run/walk. Click here to see all the patriotic events planned for the day. It should be a day that will make you proud to be an American.
Lee Greenwood sang, “And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.” This is your chance to honor a fallen service member. “Freedom is not free.” We know that. Participating in the 11th Annual Watermelon Run for the Fallen will make it more tangible. You will respect the fallen, support the families of the fallen, and increase your gratefulness for their sacrifice.