Veteran’s Day is the time which the citizens of this grateful nation honor our enlisted and fallen veterans of the armed forces. On November 11th, the citizens of Austin will stand united with fellow Americans to remember family members that came home with blood-soaked uniforms, battle scars or returned in flag draped coffins to defend and protect our way of life. In Austin, we spare no expense to recognize and honor our veterans with the utmost respect they deserve – rather than taking a knee. We have outlined three of the best Veteran’s Day events in Austin to help us honor them.
This year, Austin is proud to announce the Veteran’s Day National Committee of the Department of Veteran’s Affairs has chosen the city of Austin to be the 2017 national regional site for the Veteran’s Day celebration! And what better way to celebrate than a parade? The 52nd annual Veteran’s Day parade will commence after a 9:30 a.m. fly-over at the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, then continue up to the Texas state capitol building steps. The parade will include 104 floats and organizations, music and entertainment, Memorial Ceremony with guest speakers and honorees, Presentations of Proclamations and a Roll Call of the Dead with a wreath laying ceremony. A 21 gun salute with Taps will resound, after which the parade chaplain will give a benediction.
The Brigadier General John C. L. Scribner Texas Military Forces Museum located at Camp Mabry in Austin, is 45,000 sq. ft. marvel of state and national military exhibits. Veteran’s Day presents the perfect opportunity to reflect, commemorate and teach young children about how their nation was protected. See for yourself authentic displays of memorabilia, equipment, extensive library of documents and photo archives, and nine exquisite exhibits which include:
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Films
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Music
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Jeeps
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Tanks
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Trucks
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Artillery
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Weapons
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Uniforms
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Helicopters
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Fighter jets
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Personal items
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Armored personnel carriers
Admission is free, but donations are always appreciated. In special recognition of Veteran’s Day, the museum will feature the free program Close Assault:1944 scheduled November 11-12. This truly gives you a newfound perspective of World War II – featuring an attack of German strongholds, display of a Sherman tank and M3 Halftrack in action, blank weapons firing, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this! Showtimes are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. come rain or shine.
Alonzo Reid and The UCF Band seeks to give thanks and honor our veterans by kicking off the 2017 Veteran’s Day celebration party right. They promise to deliver unforgettable music and dance at the Doris Miller Auditorium November 11th at 8 p.m. through to the 12th at 1:30 a.m..
As always, we invite you to join us on Lake Travis at VIP Marina this Veteran’s Day weekend with your friends and family. Rent a boat slip and stay awhile. Or, you can rent a party barge to spend time making memories with your loved ones and remembering those we’ve lost fighting for our freedom.