“At the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the guns of WWI fell silent and Armistice Day was born. Eight years later a Presidential Proclamation invited people to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies. With the passage of time, it was changed to Veterans Day. The national focal point for the official Veterans Day observance is at the Tomb of the Unknowns where the Presidential Wreath is placed,” explains Vets Day in Dallas.
In a news release, Fort Hood, also known as “The Great Place,” stated they would be putting on a parade with their Horse Cavalry Detachment of the 1st Cavalry Division. The Cavalry Charge Vets Day Parade will be on November 11th at 11:00 am, located at the Panther Island Pavilion at 395 Purcey Street in Fort Worth.
The 1st Cavalry Division “disposed of its remaining horses” during World War II in 1943. The detachment of the 1st Cavalry Division was created at Fort Hood in 1972, twenty-nine years later. Today, there are only seven horse-mounted units left in the United States Army.
The detachment unit at this parade will have soldiers wearing historic uniforms while displaying “skills that horse-mounted cavalrymen have used for more than 200 years.” They will demonstrate an 1873 Springfield Carbine, an 1873 single-action revolver, and an 1860 light cavalry saber.
The Horse Cavalry Detachment also participates in medal ceremonies, change of command ceremonies, parades, civic events, riding demonstrations, and the U.S. presidential inauguration.
A military flyover will soar the sky at 11:00 am, and according to the press release, “a motorcade will roll down North Forest Park Boulevard, along the Clear Fork section of Trinity River to Rotary Plaza, then back to Panther Island.” Also, the detachment will kick off the celebration of this 102nd Veterans Day Parade with a 21-gun salute.
Visitors can view the “Battlefront at Home… Saluting Our Veterans & First Responders” themed celebration along the river on the west side of downtown.
Ken Cox, the Parade Chairman, said, “Everyone can join in our salute to veterans and first responders who’ve given so much during the pandemic,” and added, “simply visit our website where you can learn how to support, volunteer, and take part.”
“Will you consider being part of our celebration and join the cavalry charge? If you’re not available, please help us spread the word. Hope y’all can join our Cowtown Salute on Veterans Day,” Cox concluded.
Grapevine also has a Veterans Day Parade where a fair will be taking place as well. The festivities are on November 6th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm in the historic downtown at West Hudgins Street and Main Street.
This year’s theme is honoring soldiers who have received a Purple Heart Medal. This medal was created in 1782 and has been awarded to 1.8 million service members.
The Grand Marshal of this parade will be Eric Newton, a veteran who received a Purple Heart during Vietnam.
During 1968 and 1969, he “served as an armored vehicle driver with the 11th Armored Cavalry” when he was wounded on November 26th, 1968. Then, thirty-six years after he was in Vietnam, he “went on combat operations in Iraq and mentored a new generation of soldiers with his old unit,” the website of Grapevine explains.
Beth Van Duyne, Congresswoman of the 24th Congressional District, will be running an information booth for veterans assistance. She will also be “presenting a Vietnam War Commemoration and a TX-24 Veteran Commendation, which serves as an opportunity to honor distinguished veterans of the 24th Congressional District to preserve their stories for future generations of Americans.”
VFW Post 10454 Grapevine and the City of Grapevine are hosting the fair at 115 East Worth Street. They will have information on veteran benefits, programs, and services. Guitars for Heroes will also be live music, which is “an all veteran band that is part of the Wounded Warrior Project.” At the fair, visitors can see military vehicles, participate in activities, and enjoy food.
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra has organized the Patriotic Pops Veterans Day Celebration, located at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center at 2301 Flora Street in Dallas. This event will take place from November 12th through November 14th. The showtimes are at 7:30 pm for the 12th and 13th, and 3:00 pm for the last show on November 14th.
The United States Naval Academy Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs and members of the United States Naval Academy Pipes and Drum Band create this celebration, conducted by Jeff Tyzik. Patriotic Pops will be performing well-known anthems and songs for this “uplifting tribute honoring our nation’s men and women in uniform,” according to The Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
My Area Network shares other events going on in the DFW area. Veteran Works is a virtual job fair and career expo being held on November 5th at 11:00 am. It is an online-only event and can be accessed here.
Veterans can use this “career development platform” to hold conversations about careers, find local opportunities, connect with other like-minded professionals, and browse the top businesses that are hiring. This job fair provides a “suite of features to help working professionals find/prepare/perform their next dream opportunity.”
Turn a Pen for a Veteran is a class being held on November 7th at 11:30 am. The course will be held at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware at 584 West I-30 Suite 403 in Garland.
This eighteen and older event will cost $15 that will be directly donated to the Help Heal Veterans organization. At the class, attendees will “learn the basic fundamentals of woodturning and wooden pen turning kits,” while creating a custom wooden pen to keep for themselves.
Flower Mounds Veterans Day Relay Run will be held on November 11th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Community Activity Center, located at 1200 Gerault Road. This event is an annual activity and is celebrating its eighth year. Veterans and their families will run a thirty-two-mile course while carrying a flag.
Several restaurants are also giving free food to veterans on November 11th. Here is a list of participating restaurants:
- 54th Street Restaurant and Drafthouse – Free meal up to $14
- Applebee’s – Free meal from special menu selections
- Bombshells Restaurant and Bar – Free meal
- California Pizza Kitchen – Free meal
- Chicken Salad Chick – Free Chick Special
- Chili’s – Free meal from special menu selections
- Denny’s – Free Build Your Own Grand Slam from 5:00 am-12:00 pm
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers – Free original double combo meal
- Golden Corral – Free meal from 5:00 pm-close
- Red Lobster – Free appetizer or dessert from a special menu
- Starbucks – Free 12 ounce hot brewed coffee
- Texas Roadhouse – Vouchers to redeem for dinner that will be handed out in their parking lot from 11:00 am-2:00 pm
- Wienerschnitzel – Free chili dog, fries, and drink
