Fallen Heroes Ride - Our Fundraiser for the Texas State Veterans Cemetery Is May 1st-17th

The inaugural Fallen Heroes Ride is a two-part event where we'll raise funds for the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene. Best of all, all vehicle types are welcome to participate in the first part of this event. The first part (for all vehicles) is to visit area memorials, and the second part is a motorcycle parade to the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene.Texas, and especially West Texas, has always been a rough and tumble place. At one time, our area, here around Abilene, was the frontier with Ft. Phantom and the line of forts that are now called the Texas Forts Trail. Because of this, there has never been a shortage of fortitude among Texans and their love of liberty and freedom. Texans are some of the most patriotic, if not the most, individuals in the country and are duly proud of that fact. This being said, there has never been a lack of Texans to answer the "Call to Arms" when asked, and small-town Texas has not forgotten the Sons and Daughters that served and especially those that gave the final full measure of devotion. Monuments and markers are abundant around county courthouses and special areas, yet most folks walk by and never take a second to stop, look, and say thanks to those who gave their all to allow us to live in the freedom and luxury they paid for. They forget that freedom is not free; it is paid for by the blood of those who fought for it!

This event is to pay homage to those who have done so. During your ride to visit these sites, we hope you get to see a different aspect of our community. One that is seldom visited and often forgotten. This is our way to honor and remember. So, please take your time as you visit and look at the history of some of these memorials. You will find on this trek the names of those who fought with the Army of the Republic of Texas in 1836, the Civil War (both sides), the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. As you do, we hope you pay your respects to those who served and those fallen. Please keep in mind, every active duty service member and veteran wrote a blank check when they signed up for service that said, "I am willing to give my life for my country".

How Do I Participate In the Fallen Heroes Ride?

Beginning May 1st, simply come by Kent's in Abilene to sign up. At that time, we'll tell you which area memorials to visit. At each one, take a selfie to prove you were there on the ride. Once you've visited all of the memorials, or all that you have time to visit, then come back to Kent's before 1 pm on May 17th to have your selfies verified by one of our staff.

The beauty of this ride is that it's not just for motorcycles. So, even if you don't ride, you can participate.

Everyone who participates will have a chance to win a Kent's gift card of various amounts.

• Visit 13 or more of the 15 sites for a chance to win a $500 gift card
• Visit at least 10 sites for a chance to win a $250 gift card
• Visit at least 5 sites for a chance to win a $100 gift card

A minimum donation of $20 is requested (and more if you are generous), with 100% of the proceeds going to the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene. Kent's will match donations up to $2,000. 

What Are the Details About the Motorcycle Parade?

If you'd like to join our motorcycle parade from Kent's to the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene, then please join us at 2 pm on May 17th at Kent's. From there, we'll take an escorted ride out to the cemetery for a photo-op with all the bikes in front of the U.S. flag.