LAMPASAS – About 100 motorcyclists participated in the Purple Heart Day Ride Saturday, which ended at Young’s BBQ in Lampasas.
Saturday’s ride began around 11 a.m. in Belton, where riders drove through Killeen, passed the local Purple Heart School Cavazos Elementary in Nolanville and ended the ride at Young’s BBQ. This is the riders’ second annual ride with the goal of honoring wounded and fallen military members and veterans.
Purple Heart Day is on August 7 and commemorates the establishment of America’s oldest military award: the Purple Heart Medal, which is awarded to soldiers wounded in combat.
Purple Heart Riders Association President Rodney Ford was present at the event and helped guide the riders on their journey.
He said similar Purple Heart Day rides have taken place in other parts of the country and that he wants to make the annual ride a tradition in the Killeen-Fort Cavazos area.
“We actually started in the northeast in the New Hampshire area, but I’m moving it here so we can honor our veterans and drive for those who can’t drive,” Ford said.
All participating members had the opportunity to eat lunch at the restaurant, which offers many barbecue options including brisket, ribs, chicken, turkey, sausage and pulled pork. Riders continued celebrating later Saturday by gathering at the Silver Wings Saloon in Killeen, where there were live events, donated food and a rifle raffle.
