As the nation prepares to observe Veterans Day from Friday, Nov. 8 through Monday, Nov. 11, numerous events are scheduled throughout Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle to honor the service and sacrifices of military veterans, both past and present, as well as their families.
Annual Veterans Day Ceremony at War Memorial
One of the most anticipated events is the Veterans Day Ceremony at the Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center, which will take place Monday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. This ceremony will pay tribute to all who have served in the U.S. military. The event will include an invocation, the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a performance of the national anthem by the Ascension Academy Choir. A flyover by the Panhandle Warbird Flight will also take place, followed by a wreath presentation and a salute to the services.
This year’s guest speaker is Sgt. Major Billy R. Garcia, United States Marine Corps (Ret.), who will share his perspective on the meaning of Veterans Day. The event is sponsored by several local organizations, including Bill and Poppy McCarty, Jerry and Janie Hensley, Bell Textron, Citizens Bank, and Oldham County.
U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Ball and Military Night
Kicking off the weekend's celebrations, the Amarillo Wranglers will host Military Night during their game against the Odessa Jackalopes on Friday, Nov. 8, at the Amarillo Civic Center Complex. The Wranglers will wear special military-themed jerseys that will be auctioned off following the game, and all active-duty military and veterans will receive free admission with ID. The game starts at 7:15 p.m., and the festivities in the Budweiser Bull Pen are supported by local businesses such as 9th Inning Brews & Bites, Andrea’s Project, and Rick Looby Homes.
On the same evening, the U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Ball will take place at Cactus Cove Inn & Suites in Amarillo to celebrate the 249th birthday of the Marine Corps. The event will include a ceremony at 6 p.m., a dinner at 7 p.m. by Nine Line BBQ, and an after-hours party at the Western Horseman Club. Tickets are $55, with proceeds benefiting the Caprock Marine Corps JROTC. For more details, attendees can contact the event organizers at 806-567-4546.
Veterans Day Parade in Amarillo
The annual Veterans Day Parade in downtown Amarillo will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m. The parade, which is presented by the Roan-Creek Marine Corps League, will travel down Polk Street, starting at 11th and moving to 5th Street, then heading down Harrison. This year, the parade will honor POWs and MIAs with a special float and features a flyover by the West Texas Warbirds Flight. The event is free and open to the public, and organizers encourage the community to come out and show their appreciation for veterans.
Later that evening, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) will host a dinner at 6 p.m. at their location. Tickets are $30, and the dinner is open to all military branches, though spots are limited. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 806-433-0864.
Joint Veterans Day Celebration at West Texas A&M and Canyon
West Texas A&M University (WT) and the city of Canyon will hold a joint Veterans Day celebration on Monday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial on the WT campus. The ceremony will feature remarks from Lt. Corey Todd Jones, a deputy public affairs officer for the Office of the Secretary of the Navy. A flyover by the 7th Bomb Wing from Dyess Air Force Base will also be part of the event, along with a wreath-laying ceremony to honor those from the WT family who lost their lives in military service. The Canyon High School Choir will perform the national anthem and an armed forces tribute, and the Tascosa High School Junior ROTC will present the colors.
The WT Military and Veterans Services Office, which serves nearly 600 military and veteran students, will also co-host a Military Appreciation Night at the WT football game on Nov. 9, and the Student Veterans organization will volunteer at the High Plains Food Bank to support local veterans and their families.
AmTech Career Academy Breakfast for Veterans
In keeping with the tradition of honoring veterans, AmTech Career Academy will offer a free breakfast for veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day from 9 to 11 a.m. at Cafe 21. The breakfast will include biscuits, gravy, and coffee, and veterans are invited to use the south entrance (No. 1) at AmTech. Military ID is required.
A Weekend of Remembrance and Celebration
From the Veterans Day Ceremony at the War Memorial to the parade, sports events, and special dinners, these events reflect the community’s gratitude for the sacrifices made by veterans. As the country observes Veterans Day on Nov. 11, local residents will have the opportunity to come together and express their appreciation to those who have served in defense of the freedoms we enjoy today.
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