Patriotic tribute will span four days
Texas Border Business
Mission, TX – Each year, thousands of people unite to commemorate Veterans Day, a holiday that honors all those who have served the country in war or peace — dead or alive — although it is largely intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices. This year, the City of Mission is honoring local military heroes with a Veterans Festival beginning Friday, Nov. 8, with a flag-laying ceremony at the RGV State Veterans Cemetery.
“Veterans Day is not just a chance to enjoy an extra day off from work or school. We want to make sure our community recognizes its true purpose,” Mayor Dr. Armando O’Caña said. “We must acknowledge the men and women who have served in our armed forces and we’re hoping that some World War II and Korean War veterans join us. We need our citizens to come out and wear their red, white and blue, bring the family and honor our heroes with this exciting new event.”
The theme for the festival is, “Our Mission is Service.” Saturday, Nov. 9 the full-day celebration kicks off with the Mission Veterans Day Parade at 3 p.m. The procession begins at Leo Peña Placita Park, runs east on Business-83 to Bryan Road and ends at the CEED building. The festive parade will showcase floats, RGV veterans, military vehicles, festooned golf carts, and local marching bands. The procession is expected to wrap up by 5 p.m.
Community members can then take part in the Mission Veterans Day Festival from 5 p.m. until midnight outside the CEED building in conjunction with the 5 x 5 Brewing Company. There will be plenty of family-friendly entertainment including live local music performances. Taste-tempting delights are available for purchase from several food trucks and food vendors. Military vehicles are being sought for display at the festival. In addition, veterans’ organizations will be on hand at the adjoining Mission Parks & Recreation building to promote military services and government resources available to veterans.
“We will also be having a chili cook-off at 5×5 on Sunday between five veteran teams to include the army, marine corps, navy, air force, and the coast guard,” Sean Downey, Brand Manager of the 5×5 Brewing Company said. “The winner will be decided by the people’s choice so it should be a good showdown.”
The celebration recognizing military men and women continues Monday, November 11. A golf tournament, will be held at Shary Municipal Golf Course and will be FREE for all veterans.
“We want this weekend to lead into Veterans Day and for our men and women in uniform, past, present, and future to know that we cannot thank them enough,” Mayor O’Caña said.
Ready Tee Golf has teamed up with the City of Mission for the first-of-its-kind Veterans Day Golf Tournament. The “Fairway to Freedom” is a 3-man Florida scramble.
The Texas Citrus Fiesta, Inc. (TCF) is still currently accepting entries for the Salute to Veterans Cook-off, an IBCA sanctioned event. There will be $5,000 in cash and prizes available to the winning teams. Sponsorship opportunities are available to local businesses. For more information, please contact 956.585.9724.
TIME & DATE PROGRAM LOCATION
4 pm Nov. 8 Flag Laying Ceremony RGV State Veterans Cemetery
3 pm Nov. 9 Veterans Day Parade Downtown Mission
9 am – 6 pm Nov. 9 Saluting Our Veterans Cook-off Bryan & Bus. 83
8 am-12 pm Nov. 9 Veterans Memorial Park to Open Leo Peña Park/south side
5 pm-Midnight Nov. 9 Mission Veterans Day Festival CEED Building/5×5 Brewery
5-8 pm Nov. 9 Veterans Services Fair Parks & Rec. Building
1-7 pm Nov. 10 Chili Cook-off CEED Building/5×5 Brewery
2-5:30 pm Nov. 10 Cars & Stripes Car Show CEED Building/5×5 Brewery
8 am Nov. 11 Veterans Golf Tournament Shary Municipal Golf Course
