Velpen, IN - August 9, 2025 - On August 9, 2025, veterans, active military, emergency personnel, and members of the community came together at Cool Springs in Velpen, Indiana, for the 5th annual Honor and Remember Run. The event featured a 5K and 10K trail run and Ruck Run, with 22 honor pull-ups and push-ups, paying tribute to military veterans, their families, and all those who lost their lives on 9/11.
Nearly 200 runners of all ages and experience levels took to the trails, pushing themselves to complete the challenging course in honor of those who have served. Some carried Honor and Remember flags as they ran and crossed the finish line. Families, friends, and volunteers lined the route, offering encouragement and cheers. The day was not just about physical endurance. It was a celebration of community spirit, resilience, and remembrance.
The opening ceremony set a meaningful and reverent tone for the event, featuring powerful messages of remembrance and honor. Johnny Butler, executive director of the Honor and Remember Foundation, reflected on the organization’s founding and mission to recognize fallen service members and their families. Gold Star sister Jennifer Evans offered a heartfelt perspective, sharing reflections on the loss of her brother, a United States Marine. Gary Green of Veterans and Athletes United emphasized the importance of the memorial wall and its role in ensuring the legacy of those who served is never forgotten.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of two Honor and Sacrifice flags to the Jasper and Huntingburg Fire Departments. A 21-gun salute and the playing of TAPS provided a solemn and fitting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes.
All proceeds from the Honor and Remember Run were donated to the Fire Departments of Huntingburg, IN, and Jasper, IN, to further their commitment to keeping our communities safe and honoring those who have fallen.
“Every step forward today is a tribute to the fallen, and a gift to those who still answer the call," said Don Heim, Fire Chief at Huntingburg Fire Department. "Your support will help fund a Lucas Device for the Huntingburg Fire Department, a life-saving tool that delivers consistent chest compressions during CPR, turning remembrance into readiness."
“JFD (Jasper Fire Department) will utilize these funds to purchase the life saving equipment we need to keep our communities safe and healthy," said Kenny Hochesang, Fire Chief at Jasper Fire Department. "JFD members are grateful for support from the Honor and Remember team and all those taking part in this awesome event.”
This year, we were also able to present Honor and Remember Flags to two families of fallen heroes from Kentucky.
The Fallen Heroes Memorial Wall, from Veterans and Athletes United, has been traveling across the country and was present at the Honor and Remember Run as a moving tribute to the nation’s service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. The memorial bears 7,040 dog tags, each engraved with the name and date of death of a service member killed since 9/11. It's 50 stars honor all Gold Star families, who have lost sons and daughters in the Global War on Terror.
None of this would have been possible without the incredibly generous sponsorships from our community to support the Honor and Remember run and pay tribute to our fallen heroes and their families.
SPONSORS AND DONATIONS FROM:
Remember Sponsors: Bingham Greenebaum, Cooper Contracting, Universal Design, Steinkamp, Streicher Construction, Jasper Engines, Butcher & Barrel, and Kimball Electronics.
Service Sponsors: Kunkel Insurance Agency, Uebelhor & Sons, Schatz Insurance Agency, and Siebert’s.
Tribute Sponsors: Uebelhor Oil, Mulzer Crushed Stone, American Mercantile, Finishing Touches, Weyer Electric, Matrix Integration, Voegerl Construction, Firefly Boutique, and Craig & Lange
Corporate Team Sponsors: Branded by Woods (Winner) and Huntingburg Mechanical
OFS Press Contact: Brooke Lueken - blueken@ofs.com
