Veterans Day Dallas: Free Events To Honor Those Who Have Served

DALLAS, TX — A number of free events are scheduled throughout Dallas-Fort Worth the weekend of Nov. 11 to show support for those who have fought for the United States. Bring your family and stop by a few of these events.

Dallas Veterans Day Parade

Where: Activities start at Dallas City Hall.

When: Friday, Nov. 10 — 9:30 a.m.

What: "The 2017 Veterans Day Parade honors veterans of the Gulf War - Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Activities start at 9:30 a.m. in front of Dallas City Hall with military displays and Oath of Enlistment administered to more than 150 men and women entering all branches of services. At 11 a.m., massing of the colors and the 11th Hour ceremony take place with the symbolic laying of the wreath, "Taps" and Missing Man formation fly-over. At noon, the parade gets underway at Young and Houston Streets, travels North on Houston, East on Main, turns on Ervay and passes in review in front of City Hall. There will be marching bands, JROTC groups, floats, veterans organizations and military vehicles."

American Heroes: A Salute to Veterans

Where: The Colony Five Star Sports Complex —4100 Blair Oaks Drive, The Colony, TX 75056

When: The American Heroes carnival runs Nov. 9-12 with Salute To Veterans event taking place Nov. 11.

What: "Sammy Kershaw and the Oakridge Boys headline the musical entertainment at this patriotic family festival honoring veterans. The Nov. 11 event includes a fun run/walk, car/bike/truck show, family entertainment, live music starting at 1:30 p.m, food and drink vendors, silent auction, Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. and a fireworks show around 8 p.m. The American Heroes Carnvial runs Thursday-Sunday Nov. 9-12. Admission, parking and concerts are free. Dogs are allowed. Presented by The Colony and American Legion Post 21."

Waxahachie Veterans Weekend and Reenactment - Victory in Europe

Where: Historic Downtown Waxahachie

When: Nov. 11 — 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

What: "The 14th annual Waxahachie WWII Veterans Weekend includes "Operation: Hands on History," Nov. 11 from 1-5 p.m., in Historic Downtown Waxahachie. Children and adults can get a glimpse of life on the homefront and on the battlefield. Activities include displays of vintage military weapons and vehicles, Meet & Greet with WWII veterans signing autographs, oral histories, Allied and Axis campsite displays, vintage aircraft fly-overs, period USO display, outdoor vendors market and more. At 3 p.m., find a spot to view a big WWII battle reenactment in the streets with uniformed reenactors, vintage weapons and equipment. While most activities take place on Nov. 11, the displays will be open Nov. 10-12."

Farmers Branch Veterans Day Celebration

Where: Farmers Branch Senior Center

When: Friday, Nov. 10. — 10:30 a.m.

What: "Join us in honoring our nation's veterans during our annual Veterans Day Celebration. We will have a patriotic ceremony followed by some great entertainment from the Victory Belles and will end with an All-American hot dog lunch. Admission is free. We encourage arriving early as the event has grown stronger within the community."

NRH Veterans Day Celebration

Where: Liberty Park — 5825 Holiday Lane, North Richland Hills, TX 76180

When: Friday, Nov. 10 at 11:00 a.m.

What: "North Richland Hills' 11th Annual Veterans Day Celebration will include music, NRH Police and Fire Honor Guard presenting colors, and a keynote speaker."

Irving Veterans Day Program

Where: Irving Archives, 801 West Irving Boulevard, Irving, TX 75060

When: Friday, Nov. 10. — 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

What: "Veterans Day program with music, moments of reflection by military personnel and remarks by city officials in the auditorium of the Irving Archives building (the former Central Library). Following the program, attendees will walk outside to Veterans Memorial Park to lay a wreath at the Wall of Commemoration."

DeSoto Vet Fest

Where: Nance Farm —1325 Greenbrook Drive, DeSoto, TX 75115

When: Saturday, Nov. 11 — 9 a.m. to noon

What: "Each year on the Saturday closest to Veterans Day, the City of DeSoto hosts Vet Fest, an event designed to recognize and show appreciation for the sacrifice made by our military veterans and their families. Veterans and their families and the general public are invited to join us at Nance Farm for a special ceremony to unveil the memorial at 9 a.m. that will feature a keynote address by U S Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. For more information, please call Kathy Jones at 972-230-9648."

Frisco Community Parade

Where: Downtown Frisco — 8800 4th Street, Frisco, TX 75034

When: Saturday, Nov. 11 — 10 a.m.

What: "The parade features veterans from all branches, Homecoming Kings and Queens, Frisco marching bands and cheer squads. Also participating are representatives from Frisco's pro sports teams, floats and marchers from civic and youth groups, Frisco fire and police vehicles and the Frisco fire clowns. The parade steps off at 10 a.m. from SE corner of Toyota Stadium, heading East on Main Street through downtown Frisco."

Grapevine Veterans Day Parade and Fair

Where: Historic Downtown Grapevine

When: Saturday, Nov. 11 — 10:o0 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

What: "Salute military veterans at the Veterans Day Parade in Historic Downtown Grapevine. This year’s parade will honor "Women in the Military." The parade gets underway at 10 a.m. proceeding down Main Street between Dallas Road and Wall Street. Following the parade, head to Liberty Park for a Veterans Fair with a wall of honor and military vehicles display, veterans service organizations, food and more from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m."

Veterans Day Ceremony and All-American Lunch

Where: Grand Prairie Veterans Memorial — 925 Conover Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75051

When: Saturday, Nov. 11 at 10:00 a.m.

What: "The program, hosted by the City of Grand Prairie, includes a color guard, bag piper, trumpeter, 21 gun salute and vintage aircraft fly over. There will be USO-themed music by the Mood Swings and a free lunch of hot dogs and lemonade provided by Rotary Clubs following the ceremony. Gates open at 9:30 a.m., the program begins at 10 a.m."

Fort Worth Veterans Day Parade

Where: Sundance Square — East 3rd Street and Main Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102

When: Saturday, Nov. 11 — 10:45 a.m.

What: "The Tarrant County Veterans Council presents the 2017 parade, themed "Vietnam Letters From Home." The parade steps off from the Tarrant County Courthouse and proceeds down Main Street to Sundance Square where 11 a.m. ceremony takes place. Parade route continues down Main to 4th St., turning South on Houston. Fly-over by 301st Fighter Wing."

McKinney Veterans Memorial

Where: Veterans Memorial Park — 6053 Weiskopf Ave., McKinney, TX 75070

When: Saturday, Nov. 11 — 11 a.m.

What: "The City of McKinney and McKinney Armed Services Memorial Board honor those who have served with 2 ceremonies on Veterans Day. 11 a.m. - 11th Hour Ceremony includes guest speaker and retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Tony Wood, known for planning and directing the evacuation of U.S. citizens from Saigon in 1975. The event will also include a missing man formation flyover, patriotic music and the parade of colors. 5:26 p.m. - Sundown Ceremony includes the reading of the names displayed on the Wall of Honor followed by the playing of Taps."

Op. Bravo: Homebrew Competition and Hero Appreciation Event

Where: Shannon Brewing Co. — 818 N. Main St., Keller, TX 76248

When: Saturday, Nov. 11 — 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

What: "Homebrew 4 Heroes and Shannon Brewing Co. host a beer competition and a salute to veterans, current members of the military along with first responders. Brewers will pour beers for heroes, who will cast their votes in the Peoples Choice category. Heroes can also buy a brewery tour at a reduced price and receive a commemorative pint glass. The event is kid- and pet-friendly. Brewers can enter the competition for $20 entry fee."

Veterans Day Community Event

Where: F.A.R.M. Urban Park — 700 South Good Latimer Expressway, Dallas, TX 75201

When: Saturday, Nov. 11 — 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

What: "Carry The Load invites the public to celebrate Veterans Day with those who serve and military families on Nov. 11 at F.A.R.M. Urban Park (Farmers Assisting Returning Military). The event, sponsored by Tacprogear (TPG) and Dr Pepper Snapple Group, will feature live music, Ruthie’s Rolling Cafe, fun activities for kids and a tremendous show of support for our veteran community. Attendees can also participate in a Heroes Challenge that tests their physical strength and endurance. Other non-profit veteran service organizations attending include Heroes on the Water, Adaptive Training Foundation, Recovery Resource Council, Equest, Attitudes & Attire, Austin Street Center, Travis Manion Foundation, Patriot Paws, Snowball Express, Center for Brain Health and 22Kill. Product donations will be provided by Starbucks and Liberty Creek Vineyards."

Arlington Heroes Parade

Where: Downtown Arlington, Texas

When: Saturday, Nov. 11 — 1:00 p.m.

What: "The inaugural Arlington Heroes Parade will be on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, at 1 p.m. in downtown Arlington. The parade will feature service men and women, local military and veterans' organizations, first responders and organizations that support them. Taya Kyle - the wife of Chris Kyle - will be the Grand Marshal."

Veterans' Day Picnic in the Park

Where: City Lake Park — 403 S. Galloway, Mesquite, TX 75149

When: Saturday, Nov. 11 — 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

What: "Join the Mesquite community as it celebrates Veterans Day 2017 and begins a campaign to build a new Veterans Memorial in Mesquite. Enjoy a complimentary picnic dinner, while supplies last, from the volunteers of the Mesquite Fire Corp while listening to the sounds of the Dallas Heritage Band. Dressed in authentic uniforms, this band plays period music from the Civil War, Indian Wars, WWI and WWII."

Veterans Day Program at Allen Public Library

Where: 300 N. Allen Drive, Allen, TX 7501

When: Saturday, Nov 11 — 7:30 p.m.

What: "Pearl Harbor survivor William "Bill" Hughes, 95, recalls the events of Dec. 7, 1941, when he on board the USS Utah. Hear his harrowing tales and enjoy patriotic music performed by the Allen Community Band. The Veterans Day concert will begin with the National Anthem, led by Chris Xeros, Korean War veteran and founding conductor of the Richardson Symphony and Allen Philharmonic. The concert concludes with the Texas premiere of "The Greatest Generation." Scored by Robert W. Smith for the 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, this stirring piece includes accompanying narration. Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, VFW 2195 and the Allen Community Band, the concert is free."

Turkey Trax Auto Show and Veterans 5K

Where: 241 South FM 548, Forney, TX 75126

When: Sunday, Nov. 12 — 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

What: "The City of Forney honors area veterans at the annual Turkey Trax Auto Show and Veterans 5K Fun Run. Now in its 10th year, Turkey Trax will showcase vehicles in many classes including Vintage, Antiques, Classics, Muscle Cars, Mustangs, Corvettes, Trucks, Low-Riders and more. Patriotic themes will be on display throughout the event grounds and car show participants and spectators are encouraged to proudly sport their military pride. A portion of the proceeds raised will benefit local veterans organizations. Turkey Trax is supported by the City of Forney and hosted by the youth and volunteers of the Sharing The Love Foundation, a 501 (3c) organization. Registration for the Veterans 5K (9 a.m.) is $20. Admission to the auto show is free for spectators."

Did Patch miss any free Veterans Day events in DFW? Let us know via email at james.potter@patch.com.
Events information from Guide Live
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