Annual Memorial Day Ruck to honor 'fallen heroes', Gold Star and Purple Heart families

The Ruck Up Foundation is having its 6th annual Memorial Day Ruck at Palo Duro Canyon next Sunday, May 26 to honor the fallen who sacrificed their lives for the country.

Starting with just four people six years ago, the annual event has grown to have over 100 participants from its humble beginnings to honor Memorial Day's true meaning with a hike in their memory. It has now spawned a non-profit organization led by original ruckers and combat veterans Cosme Alonzo, Anthony Jaramillo, and Danial Mata. The group puts on an annual Active Duty, Gold Star and Purple Heart Christmas Dinner and other events.

This year's hike through the Palo Duro Canyon State Park will be about 8 miles along the Lighthouse Trail, with plans to start at 8 a.m. The park opens at 7 a.m.

Alonzo, a Marine Corps veteran and the foundation's president, spoke about the organization and its upcoming event.

"We started this six years ago on a random Saturday night when we wanted to do something worthwhile for the Memorial Day weekend, to pay tribute to those who gave their lives for the country," Alonzo said. "We do this because we want to make people remember what Memorial Day is truly about; it is about the fallen heroes," Alonzo said. "People also forget about the Gold Star families that pay the price, as well as losing their loved ones. So we try to give back to these individuals along with the Purple Heart families and active duty service members in the area."

Proceeds from this year's ruck will fund the annual dinner for Gold Star and Purple Heart families.

"We just want these families to know they are not forgotten, to have a chance to celebrate them and to be around others who understand the sacrifices that were made," Alonzo said. "It's a chance for them to relax and have a good time in remembrance at the end of the year."

A separate Ruck Up Memorial Fundraiser event will be held June 8 at the Rockwell Event Center. It will feature live music by Ian Nicholas, kids' activities, raffles, and food and drink. The center is located at 16301 Interstate 27 near Canyon. All kids and Ruck Up participants get free entry, with a $20 ticket price for others.

"Our main objective is to give back to these families and make sure they know their families' sacrifices are not forgotten," he said. "This event is to bring a welcome knowledge of our lost heroes."

Alonzo gave some hiking tips for those who want to participate in the 8-mile ruck. He said people of all ages are welcome as long as they are physically able to walk the trail. He also recommends that people bring sun protection, such as sunscreen, and maybe a snack for the hike.

"People need to wear comfortable boots or shoes because the most important thing to protect is your feet because they take a pounding," he said. "People should wear long socks or pants because of the bushes and rocks in the area. The most important thing is to bring lots of water. The biggest issue is people not bringing enough water, because it gets hot down there. In the canyon, it's about 10 to 15 degrees hotter than it is up top."

For those who want to participate in the Memorial Day Ruck, the cost is $50, which includes admission into Palo Duro Canyon, entry into the June 8 fundraiser, a special T-shirt, and a goodie bag full of swag. To find out more or to purchase tickets for the event, go to http://theruckup.org .

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: 6th Annual Memorial Day Ruck to be held at Palo Duro Canyon