Join Bandera Honors Veterans Patriotic Events

Any day is a good day to thank a veteran for his or her service. However, it’s particularly important on November 11, Veterans Day. This year in Bandera County, that means “Bandera Honors Veterans” on Saturday, November 13; paying tribute to current and former member of the United States Armed Forces.

You can say thank you directly to all those wearing hats and caps, those in military uniforms, and their families for their service and sacrifice. You can also view the family and military displays on the Courthouse lawn starting at 9:30 a.m. There will be memorabilia from local veterans and photos documenting their heritage of military service. Members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans from Hondo will be dressed in Civil War period attire and explain their display of flags, weaponry and uniforms. It’s highly likely you’ll see a cannon or two. Call Dennis at 210-788-9160 for an application: tables are provided.

You can demonstrate your appreciation by wearing your patriotic finery and attending the program at the Courthouse lawn at 10:30 a.m. In addition to the amazing keynote speaker retired Marine and astronaut, Colonel Jack Lousma, you’ll also enjoy musical tributes by local veterans and the Alkek Elementary School 5th Grade Choir. You will get a renewal of faith in democracy as you face the historic Bandera County Courthouse, stand and place your hand over your heart, and sing the Star Spangled Banner. It is even more fitting that the next generation of potential military personnel and leaders from the Bandera High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) will be the color guard for our nation’s flag.

You can proudly enter the parade with all the stars and stripes and proud patriotic floats, cars, motorcycles, horses and marching you can muster. The parade begins at 12:00 pm. and line-up is at the Bandera City Park. Contact Gary at (717) 679-4434 to enter the parade or pick up an application outside the Legion at 205 12th Street, Bandera. All veterans at the Courthouse lawn are invited to get on their float on the Pecan Street side of the Courthouse to join the parade. You won’t be able to miss this flag and banner covered float provided by the Bandera Pro Rodeo Association (BPRA). We hope to fill this huge float with veterans from all eras and our JROTC volunteers.

You can come out to enjoy the parade by filling the sidewalks along Main Street. You can ensure that all Veterans and their spouses come to the Hackberry Street side of the County Courthouse to enjoy a barbeque lunch at 1:00 p.m. and meet fellow military folks in our community. You can place a tribute in the local newspaper. You can hang our country’s flag from your porch, flag pole, and business. It’s because of “their” service that each of us enjoy safety and freedom every day.