Free passage on toll roads operated by Harris County is granted to active federal and state military members. While an active federal or state military member is not required to link a vehicle to an electronic toll tag, it is highly recommended for greater access and convenience. If an active military member receives an invoice for a toll incurred while driving a civilian vehicle, a Toll Declaration Form must be completed and submitted to HCTRA . The toll declaration will attest that the vehicle in the invoice was being driven by someone on active federal or state military duty. Proof of a valid Military ID may be required. Individual military vehicles and convoys are permitted free passage to the greatest extent practicable, considering the technological and personnel limitations of operating the toll project (Texas Transportation Code §362.901). Vehicles which are clearly identifiable as military vehicles may use the electronic tolling lanes. For vehicles that are not clearly identifiable as military vehicles, an invoice will be sent to the address associated with the license plate. In order to receive free passage for vehicles that are not clearly identifiable as military vehicles, you will be required to complete a Toll Declaration Form. The Toll Declaration Form will attest that the vehicle was being driven by someone on active federal or state military duty. Proof of a valid Military ID may be required. (fb)

What Memorial Day Means to a United States Veteran For most Veterans, there’s no such thing as a “Happy Memorial Day.” There’s nothing happy about starting your morning beside someone, only to find out they paid the ultimate sacrifice for someone else’s freedom—and that was the last morning you’d ever have with them. Memorial Day isn’t just a long weekend or the start of summer. It’s sacred. It’s a day when we remember the faces and names of those who never made it home. The brothers and sisters we laughed with, fought beside, and lost. It’s the sound of taps in the distance. The silence after a 21-gun salute. The weight of a folded flag placed into the trembling hands of a family forever changed. This day isn’t about us—it’s about them. The fallen. The selfless. The brave. We honor them by remembering. We say their names. We live in a way that would make them proud—because that’s what they deserve. Memorial Day is not a celebration. It’s a reflection. A promise. A reminder that freedom is never free. It’s paid for with blood, sacrifice, and lives that ended far too soon. To those who served and sacrificed: We remember you. We honor you. You are not forgotten. 🇺🇸 #MemorialDay #HonorTheFallen #VeteransRemember (fb)