Indiana Blue Star Salute event celebrating 10 years

On June 20, the Indiana Blue Star Salute event will celebrate 10 continuous years of support for the families of the men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The event will be held at the Hendricks County Fairground in Danville, Ind., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free to the public.

"This year's event is going to be the biggest and best by far," said Ralph Zocollilo, Indiana Blue Star Salute chairman and a member of American Legion Post 145 in Avon, Ind. "And the theme is about the children."Children will have an opportunity to meet and take pictures with special characters such as Spiderman, Batman, Mickey and Mini Mouse, as well as mascots from Indiana sports franchises (Colts, Pacers and the Indians). Additional youth activities include a cheerleading class conducted by Colts cheerleaders, face painting, a video game truck, magicians, a petting zoo, a climbing wall and more. And the popular Elsa and Anna from the Disney movie Frozen will perform the hit song "Let It Go."

Military leaders, American Legion dignitaries and elected officials will express their gratitude during the event, while a special presentation that pays tribute to Gold Star families - those whose loved ones have paid the ultimate sacrifice - will also be delivered. The event will also include numerous booths staffed by military-supporting businesses and organizations, military vehicles and aircraft, as well as the annual Ride for the Salute.

Legion Riders and other motorcyclist are encouraged to participate in the 10th annual Ride for the Salute, which raises funds for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship to support children of fallen servicemembers who died on or after Sept. 11, 2001. Learn more about the ride here.

"It's been an awesome 10 years," Zocollilo said. "I'm as excited now as I was about the first Indiana Blue Star event."

To register as a Blue Star or Gold Star family and to learn more about the event, click here.