AUSTIN, Texas -- Around 1,000 bikers rode to the Capitol Saturday to honor the peace officers killed in the line of duty.

• Event hosted by CLEAT
• Seventeen officers rememebred this year
• Candlelight vigil to be held on Sunday

The Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, also known as CLEAT, brings the group together each year. People travel from all over the state, the country, even from overseas.

The Ride for the Fallen is the kick-off to a weekend memorial for officers killed in the line of duty.

"We have more officers die in the line of duty than any other state in the nation. We made a commitment to our fallen officers together at least once a year to honor their sacrifice," said Austin Police Sgt. Todd Harrison, who is also the president of CLEAT.

This year, 18 officers are being remembered. Their names were added to the Texas Peace Officer Memorial at the Capitol.

"It just brings back all the memories, the pictures, the videos, the newscasts that came out," said Ofc. Ervey Banda with the San Antonio Police Department.

As the Vice President of CLEAT, Banda read each officer's name. He got emotional as he read Miguel Moreno, a San Antonio officer who was killed last summer.

"It's difficult, but I'm more than honored and I feel privileged that I am able to call out the names and recognized these officers," said Banda.

He said this memorial gives a sense of peace for families.

"Putting their names on that wall is one way for us to show the families they have not been forgotten. They will always be remembered. Their name will always be there,” said Banda.

On Sunday, there will be a candlelight vigil held on the northeast side of the Capitol at 7:30 p.m. The Peace Officers Memorial will be held on Monday on the south steps of the Capitol. The event begins with a procession on the Congress Ave. Bridge around 10:30 a.m.