Thousands honor fallen police officers at 21st-annual Run to Remember in Chicago

CHICAGO – At the Gold Star Families Memorial near Soldier Field, thousands came to run and remember.

Police officers, friends and family came out for the 21st Run to Remember, a 5k that raises money for the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation which supports officers injured in the line of duty and the families of those who lost their lives.

“I feel so proud of my son and what he did in his beautiful life,” Officer Luis Huesca‘s mother Edith Huesca said.

Just over a year ago, Edith lost her son Luis. He had just gotten off his shift days before his 31st birthday when he was shot and killed.

This is now Edith’s second year being a part of the Gold Star Families.

“Those families are still grieving just like the other families from our officers who’ve fallen in the past, and we’re here for a reason,” Chicago Police Department Supt. Larry Snelling said.

Snelling is well aware of the bond officers form in the field as well as the bond families form together in grief.

“It’s good to know that we can get together and enjoy our time together here and celebrate the officers who came before them and gave their lives to protect the city,” Snelling said.

For Edith and the other family members, the event serves as their way of staying connected with the community that meant so much to the ones they loved.

“Our police officers need a lot of support,” Edith said. “Always I will love him and always I will have him in my heart and my soul…and all around me as an angel.”