SAN ANGELO, Texas -- The community of San Angelo, Texas celebrated Veterans Day with a parade, Nov. 9. The San Angelo All Veterans Council hosted a Veterans Day parade in downtown San Angelo featuring local businesses, charities, veterans groups and military formations filled by volunteers from Goodfellow Air Force Base.
U.S. Air Force Col. Angelina Maguinness, 17th Training Wing commander, announced parade floats along with Carolyn McEnrue and Randy Turner, anchors from local news station KLST. The trio commentated on the participants in the parade to include veterans from World War II, Vietnam and almost every war to the present. Local organizations such as the 363 Boy Scout troop and various Reserve Officers' Training Corps from local schools also participated.
On Nov. 11, Millersview hosted its 105th Veterans Day celebration which welcomed Maguinness as its guest speaker. She emphasized the importance of honoring those that have served in the military. The event included “Amazing Grace,” played on bagpipes, and “Taps,” being played on a bugle. Each branches’ song was played as members were recognized for their service.
“Veterans Day gives us the chance to pause, to reflect and to express our deepest gratitude to all who have served in our armed forces,” said Maguinness. “Today is a day that reminds us of the honor we owe to those who stood watch over our country, both in times of peace and in times of conflict.”
Having started as Armistice Day in 1919, Veterans Day became what it is now in 1954. Armistice means truce and the day was created after World War I ended. The change to the name was made to pay respect to veterans of all wars.
Each year on Nov. 11, we pause to honor and celebrate the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. military. This day is dedicated to those who served with honor in all branches of the U.S. military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines Corps, Space Force and Coast Guard.
Veterans Day is a time for all of us to reflect on what freedom means and the cost of maintaining that freedom. It is a time to recognize the hardships endured and thank those who have raised their hand to swear to defend our country.