Hundreds of families, friends and colleagues from Pearland, Texas, and surrounding communities turned out in November for the third annual Pearland Veterans Day Walk to honor veterans and to raise money for those living with post traumatic stress (PTSD).

H-E-B once again provided water and snacks for the walkers as they arrived at the Pearland Recreation Center, and Brazoria County Constable Buck Stevens was on hand to greet the walk participants.

Joining the walkers this year were Pearland City Councilmember Gary Moore, himself a veteran, and his wife Christina.

Gary also present the first challenge medal from this year’s minting to 15-year-old Dayane Cruz who designed it as part of the YMCA day camp program.

Texas State Representative Ed Thompson gave the invocation and read from the State of Texas proclamation honoring the participants in this year’s walk. The proclamation was co-sponsored by Ed, Representative Greg Bonnen, and Senator Larry Taylor.

Michael Stillion, a veterans of the US Navy, served as master of ceremonies before the walk.

Girl Scouts from Junior Troop 21525 helped distribute the walkers’ goodie bags and assisted walkers at the Honor and Remembrance Wall.

Many walkers wore the names of loved ones on honor & remembrance labels.

VFW Post 7109 member Ron Risdon and his wife Kay sold event t-shirts that were generously designed and donated by Angie at Graphic Icons.

The Pearland High School JROTC, under the direction of Sergeant Major Bruce Grant, presented the colors.

Jazz vocalist Traci Cooper gave a moving rendition of the National Anthem. An alumna of Pearland High School, her jazz vocal album Stepping Stone has made it to the ballots for this year’s Grammys consideration.

We thank all the walk participants – families, friends, and colleagues of veterans and active duty service men and women – who made our third annual Pearland Veterans Day walk such a success.

We especially thank our volunteers and the business sponsors for their support – without them, the walk would not be possible.

Soon we will announce the net proceeds from the Walk and the distribution of those funds to Pearland and Texas organization that support our veterans, especially those battling PTSD as a result of their service.

Photo gallery

Thanks to volunteer photographers Ana Gorham-Maki and Kathy Hickey for all the great photos of the Walk. Many more of Ana’s photos of the event can be found at here.

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