By Anna Skinner
Local police officers and their families will eat for free, and the public will have a chance to express its appreciation and support for law enforcement at the Zionsville Police Appreciation Day from noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 14, hosted by American Legion Post 79, 9950 E. 600 S.
“Given the current events, there has been negativity towards our law enforcement officers, our peace officers,” said Rick Baum, Post 79 chaplain and service officer. “This event is being hosted by the American Legion for the greater Zionsville community in order to show support and appreciation for the law enforcement officers that serve and protect us.”
Those that attend are to bring a $5 donation to help cover the cost of hosting the event.
The lunch will be picnic style, and a memorial table for police officers who have died in the line of duty will be at the post as well. Baum said the table is generic, not for any one officer.
“This is to acknowledge they put their lives at risk for us every day, and it is an acknowledgement of the spouses. We give a rose to the spouses, because they are the front line of support to their loved ones,” Baum said. “We have invited the commander of the Dept. of the Indiana American Legion. There will be a presentation by the post to the police department to show their support for what Zionsville police do to serve and protect our community.”
Free, blue lightbulbs will be provided at the event for the public to light up their homes in support of police. Police vehicles will be available for the public to view. Bounce houses, cotton candy and face painting will be available for children.
“We want to rally our community behind these people that do serve and protect us,” Baum said.
