Highland Lakes communities celebrating Veterans Day
A roundup of Veterans Day events Nov. 11 across the Highland Lakes.
BURNET/BERTRAM
If you believe the importance of Veterans Day has been forgotten, then you should check out two Highland Lakes celebrations in which elementary school children are giving veterans a big boost.
R.J. Richey Elementary and Bertram Elementary are hosting Veterans Day events, one at Bulldog Stadium and the other at the Bertram campus, on Nov. 11. And the stars of both events: veterans.
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Veterans Day draws its roots from “The Great War,” which World War I is often called. While the Treaty of Versailles was signed in the Palace of Versailles on June 28, 1919, to officially end the war, fighting had stopped seven months prior when the Allied countries and Germany agreed upon an armistice at the 11th hour of the 11th month of the year: Nov. 11, 1918.
The following November, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11, 1919, as the first Armistice Day. Part of the idea included parades and celebrations but also a moment to pause and reflect at 11 a.m. on the day.
Initially, the day was set aside to honor World War I veterans, but after World War II and the Korean War, leaders decided the day should recognize all American veterans. So starting in November 1954, the day became Veterans Day.
The students and staff of both elementary schools are inviting the public and, especially, veterans to come out Nov. 11 and honor those who have served in the military for the United States.
R.J. Richey Elementary is hosting its event at 10 a.m. at Bulldog Field, 1000 The Green Mile in Burnet (behind Burnet High School.)
Along with the R.J. Richey students, the Burnet High School band and the Highland Lakes Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force will be participating in the event. It’s really a giant pep rally for veterans.
After the festivities, everybody is invited to R.J. Richey for an “All American Lunch.” The meal is complimentary for veterans. Non-veteran adult meals are $3.25, and children’s meals are $2.10.
In Bertram, Bertram Elementary School students and staff are holding a Veterans Day tribute at 10 a.m. The school is located at 315 Main St.
After the reception and celebration, veterans and the public alike are invited to join the students for lunch at 11 a.m. The meal is complimentary for veterans. Non-veteran adult meals are $3.25, and children’s meals are $2.10.
editor@thepicayune.com
MARBLE FALLS
Johnson Park
The Marble Falls Rotary Club is hosting a Veterans Day celebration at noon Nov. 11 at the Veterans’ Memorial in Johnson Park, 230 S. Avenue J.
Since Nov. 11, 2008, the local Rotarians have held the event to honor veterans. The ceremony includes recognition of veterans as well as patriotic music, a presentation of colors, special remarks and a flyover featuring a World War II-era fighter plane.
Herb Lewis, a Rotarian and retired U.S. Navy veteran, will serve as master of ceremonies.
Bill Worley, a U.S. Navy retiree and current Burnet County Veterans Service Officer, will be the featured speaker.
About noon, local pilot and Freedom Flyers member Cowden Ward Jr. is scheduled to make a flyover in his P-51D Mustang, “Pecos Bill.” Freedom Flyers is a nonprofit organization located in Burnet that provides numerous services, including special flights for World War II veterans as well as youth educational programs and medical flights.
Veterans Day is set aside to honor people who have served in the U.S. armed forces. The day began as Armistice Day, which marked the end of hostilities between Allied and German forces in World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.
The public is encouraged to attend the Rotary ceremony.
Falls on the Colorado Museum
The Falls on the Colorado Museum and members of Marble Falls VFW Post 10376 are celebrating Veterans Day from 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 11 at the museum, 2001 Broadway in Marble Falls.
The program features a presentation of flags and pledges, the singing of the National Anthem, a recognition of veterans, a program of patriotic songs by the Bluebonnet Chorale and desserts and coffee.
The event is free.
Call (830) 798-2157.
LLANO
The Highland Lakes Republican Women and the Llano American Legion are hosting a Veterans Day event to recognize and honor those who donned the uniform in service of the United States.
The Veterans Appreciation Day is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 11 at the American Legion Building, 200 Legion Drive, and the nearby Llano River Park.
Officials will present five Quilts of Valor to veterans. There also will be a presentation of a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol to a special honor veteran. U.S. Army Major General Don Eckelbarger (retired) and U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Al Kelln (retired) will give brief addresses.
The Llano Junior High Band will provide music, and there also will be a lunch.
All veterans are encouraged to come out and let the people of Llano show their appreciation.
Call (512) 734-1121 for more information.
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Marble Falls Rotary Club invites the public to its annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony, honoring our Veteran’s, commencing at Noon, November 11th, 2014, at the Veteran’s Memorial, in Marble Falls, Johnson Park
The ceremony includes recognition of our Veteran’s, as well as patriotic music, presentation of colors, a flyover by Freedom Flyers, and special remarks on the service and sacrifice of our Veteran’s.
The Veteran’s Day Ceremony will be held at Noon on Tuesday, November 11th, 2014, at the granite Veteran’s Memorial in Johnson Park in Marble Falls. Herb Lewis, US Navy, Ret. and Rotarian will be serving as Master of Ceremonies. Music will be provided by the Highland Lakes Men’s Choir. The Introduction of the Speaker will be by Mark McCary, Ret. US Air Force. Featured Speaker will be Bill Worley, Ret. US Navy, and Burnet County Veteran’s Service Officer.
A special flyover, by pilot Cowden Ward, in the P-51D Mustang Aircraft “Pecos Bill” is scheduled for the Noon ceremony through the courtesy of Freedom Flyer’s, a multifaceted charity which was founded to inspire, promote and extend opportunities in the field of aviation, and which missions include Education, Community Outreach, Veteran’s Programs, and Medical Flights.