Editor’s note: Texas Roadhouse was originally planning to donate a dinner during the festivities, but due to a scheduling conflict, that will no longer occur.
By GRACE GREEN
grace@readthereporter.com
Cyntheanne Christian Church, 13151 Cyntheanne Road, Fishers, will play host to the Veterans and Athletes United (VAU) Fallen Heroes Memorial, also known as the “Dog Tag Flag,” on Friday, June 14 (Flag Day).
The event will last from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will have guest speakers every hour, on the hour. Cyntheanne Christian Church Charity Circle Treasurer, Jo Neff, heard about VAU from her brother-in-law, a veteran, and knew it was the right place to raise money for.
“At VAU everything goes to the veterans and they don’t take salaries,” Neff said.
Photo provided
Along with dog tags, the memorial displays 50 gold stars, representing Gold Star families of veterans. The flag travels to different locations across the country, even having a duplicate to be able to make it to all states. The wall will be delivered to Cyntheanne the day before and members of the church will help put it together and stay with it throughout the night.
“It’s a really neat process to watch them actually put it together,” Neff said.
These fine volunteers helped erect the “Dog Tag Flag” the last time it made a stop at Cyntheanne Christian Church. (Photo provided)
During the memorial, there will be live patriotic music, and a kids zone with games and prizes.
“During the day we are having a bake and craft sale, with all proceeds going to VAU,” Neff said. “We’re going to have a food bus from noon to 5, called Chef TLC, and she is donating a certain percentage to VAU.”
If there is inclement weather, the event will be moved inside. Event organizers are still looking for speakers and musicians for the event, anyone interested can contact Jo Neff at neffer1959@gmail.com.
Photo provided
This is Jo Neff. Texas Roadhouse had to pull out from donating a dinner that evening, as they forgot that Father’s Day was the next evening. We are sorry that they will not be there, but we understand. I encourage everyone to come out and see this amazing Memorial Wall, and what and who it stands for. Thank you!