Remember, Honor, and Support at the 2026 Freedom Festival & Memorial Ruck

The Freedom Festival & Memorial Ruck is bringing our community together for a powerful day of remembrance, service, and family fun.

Join us on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Indian River State College’s Pruitt Campus, located at 500 NW California Boulevard, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34986.

Guided by the message “Remember. Honor. Support,” this special event recognizes the men and women who answered the call to serve. We will honor our Global War on Terrorism veterans, firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS professionals, paramedics, and first responders.

Whether you participate in a ruck, bring supplies to donate, volunteer, or simply enjoy the festival with your family, your involvement will help make a difference.

Ruck to Honor. Never Forget. Always United.

At the heart of the event is a 3.43-mile Memorial Ruck honoring the firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, our Global War on Terrorism veterans, and the first responders who continue to protect our communities and nation.

A 1-mile Family-Friendly Ruck will also offer people of different ages and abilities an opportunity to participate.

Rucking involves walking while carrying a backpack, often filled with weighted or donated supplies. Additional instructions about registration, backpack weight, check-in, and participation requirements will be announced.

We walk as one community with one nation, one mission, and one purpose.

Fill a Rucksack and Help a Neighbor

Participants and guests are encouraged to fill rucksacks or backpacks with new supplies that can assist local individuals and families.

Requested donations include:

• Nonperishable food

• New clothing

• Baby products

• Personal-care and hygiene products

• Other essential supplies

Please bring only new, unopened, and unexpired items. Additional donation guidelines and drop-off information will be shared as they become available.

Your filled backpack is more than a donation—it is a practical way to honor service through service.

A Festival for the Whole Family

The Freedom Festival will offer more than the Memorial Ruck. Guests can enjoy a welcoming community celebration featuring:

• Live music

• Food trucks

• Vendors and exhibitors

• Children’s activities

• Raffles and giveaways

• Opportunities to meet local organizations and community partners

Bring your family and friends, enjoy the entertainment, support local businesses, and spend the day with the people who make our community special.

Enjoy Live Music and Local Food

Live music will help create an energetic and uplifting atmosphere throughout the festival. Additional information about featured performers and performance times will be announced.

Guests can also purchase meals, snacks, sweets, and beverages from participating food trucks. A complete food-truck lineup will be shared closer to the event.

Shop and Connect with Local Vendors

Vendors and exhibitors will showcase products, services, and resources for the community. This is an excellent opportunity to discover local businesses, meet artisans, and connect with organizations serving the Port St. Lucie area.

Vendor applications are now open.

Businesses interested in participating can visit www.doyougivearuck.com or email info@doyougivearuck.com for more information.

Volunteers Are Needed

The Freedom Festival & Memorial Ruck depends on volunteers who are willing to share their time and talents.

Volunteer opportunities may include event setup, guest registration, donation collection, ruck support, activity assistance, and cleanup. Available roles, shift times, and volunteer requirements will be announced.

If you would like to be part of something bigger and help create a meaningful experience for our community, we invite you to join the volunteer team.

Become a Sponsor

Sponsorship opportunities are now available for businesses and organizations that want to promote their work while supporting an important local mission.

Sponsors can help strengthen the event, connect with the community, and make a lasting impact on local veterans and families.

For sponsorship information, visit www.doyougivearuck.com or contact info@doyougivearuck.com.

Every Dollar Supports the Mission

The Freedom Festival & Memorial Ruck is a fundraiser benefiting the Blue Collar & Combat Boots Program.

One hundred percent of event proceeds will support the program’s work to provide emergency financial assistance to local veterans in need.

By participating, donating, volunteering, sponsoring, or attending the festival, you are helping provide meaningful support to veterans in our community.

Save the Date and Join Us

Mark your calendar for a day of remembrance, unity, service, and celebration:

Freedom Festival & Memorial RuckSaturday, September 12, 202610:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.Indian River State College – Pruitt Campus500 NW California BoulevardPort St. Lucie, Florida 34986

Come to honor our heroes, support local veterans, and enjoy a memorable day with the whole family.

For updates, participation details, and event opportunities, visit www.doyougivearuck.com or email info@doyougivearuck.com.

#DoYouGiveARuck