Members of the Veterans Band in Corpus Christi play year-round at multiple events honoring veterans of every branch of the military. Courtesy Photo
The guns in World War I went silent on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 when an armistice went into effect. The war wasn’t officially over for another seven months when the Treaty of Versailles was signed in France on June 18, 1919. What was first known as Armistice Day was established that following November by President Woodrow Wilson.
“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations,” President Wilson proclaimed.
Armistice Day became a legal federal holiday in 1938. It became Veterans Day after World War II and the Korean War, honoring all veterans of all wars. Unlike other federal holidays moved to nearby Mondays to set up three-day weekends, Veterans Day is observed on Nov. 11 no matter on what day of the week it falls.
Veterans Day falls on Wednesday this year and will be observed by the Veterans Military Band of Corpus Christi, students at Del Mar College and Texas A&M University and by the USS Lexington.. From the reading of the names of fallen heroes from the Coastal Bend to the playing of taps by fellow veterans, commemorations are planned to honor the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives to keep America free. All events listed here are free and open to the public.
To download any of these events directly to your digital calendar, visit 101corpuschristi.com/EVENTS, click on Add to My Calendar and/or email to your family and friends.
VETERANS DAY NOV. 11, 2015
Veterans Day Ceremony
10 a.m.
Sherrill Park
The Veterans Band accompanies ceremonies honoring America’s military heroes.
The band is currently accepting applications from dedicated, committed, and loyal veterans who wish to be part of the organization as musicians and Color Guard. For more information contact Ram Chavez, musical director, at ramchavez20@yahoo.com and copy also at rchavez20@stx.rr.com.
Veterans Day on the USS Lexington
2 p.m.
North Beach
The Veterans Band will provide entertainment for Veterans Day ceremonies aboard the USS Lexington Museum by the Bay. The ship itself is an honored veteran, having protected U.S. shores for more than 50 years.
Remembering Veterans: The Reading of the Fallen Veterans of the Coastal Bend
10 a.m.
Marvin Student Center
Del Mar College East, 101 Baldwin Blvd.
This DMC event is one of several held across the country to read the names of fallen veterans from each branch of the military from every war involving the United States. DMC staff and students will read names of veterans who hailed from the Coastal Bend as a way of giving thanks for their sacrifice and ensuring they are not forgotten. A bell will ring after each name is read. For more information, contact Tammy Micallef at (361) 698-1683 or tmicallef@delmar.edu.
TAMU-CC Veterans Day Celebration
11 a.m.
Hector P. Garcia Plaza, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
The annual Veterans Day Celebration will include a presentation of the colors by the Islander Battalion Color Guard, music performed by university students and a brief presentation. The celebration is sponsored by Veterans Affairs and the Office of Engagement Initiatives. For special accommodations, contact inclusive.islanders@tamucc.edu or (361) 825-3925.
Wish for Our Heroes Veterans Day event with Gary P. Nunn
2 p.m.
Brewster Street Ice House
1724 N. Tancahua
Ride Texas arrival party and Wish for our Heroes Veterans Day Event begins at 2 p.m. with Gary P. Nunn live in concert at 3 p.m. The riders arrive at 4 p.m. Free flags to wave them over the finish line. Wish for Our Heroes is a national nonprofit working to grant one wish for every deserving military member. Basic needs and emergencies get first priority including anything from food to car repairs, baby supplies, clothing, etc. Troops are also sent to athletic events or on vacation, have opportunities to meet celebrities and other fun things as well. Ride Texas is a five-day ride that begins in Wichita Falls.
