Whether a visitor or resident of the Coastal Bend, you are welcome to attend any of these free events scheduled to honor U.S. military veterans on Veterans Day, November 11. Corpus Christi hosts several events, and in Sinton, Quilts of Valor will be presented in a special ceremony at The Butter Churn. While most ceremonies are set for Monday, November 11, some will be held the weekend before, so check your calendar and see which best fits your schedule.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7

9-11 a.m.
VA CORPUS CHRISTI SPECIALITY CLINIC
205 S. Enterprise Parkway
Ceremony presented by the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System. Representatives from different VA service programs and organizations will have booths set up in a benefits fair. Music provided by the Veterans Band of Corpus Christi. Refreshments served. Event is free.

5 p.m.
QUILTS OF VALOR PRESENTATION
The Butter Churn
207 W. Winton St.
Handmade quilts will be presented to 27 local veterans. Music provided by the Veteran Band of Corpus Christi. Public invited. Buffet available for purchase.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8

10 a.m.
DR. HECTOR P. GARCIA FOUNTAIN PLAZA
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
6300 Ocean Drive
The public is welcome as students, faculty, and staff honor the nation’s military.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9

1 p.m.
AMERICA’S LAST PATROL RANCH
2761 Texas 359
Benavides
Guest speaker will be retired Army Master Sgt. Luis Vargas of Brandon, Mississippi. Vargas was with the 5th Special Forces Group-Vietnam. Music and colors by the Patriots Band and Honor Guard of Corpus Christi. Ceremony followed by refreshments and music. Free.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10

Noon-5 p.m.
VETERANS DAY ACTIVITIES/FREE ADMISSION FOR MILITARY
Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
1900 N. Chaparral St.
Special activities honoring veterans along with free general admission to veterans and active duty military and their families. A special station will be set up for interviews and recording stories from veterans.

5 p.m.
PORTLAND MUNICIPAL PARK
1815 Memorial Parkway
Portland
The Veterans Band of Corpus Christi will be on hand as Portland honors the veterans who have served in the U.S. military.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11

8:15 a.m.
MILLER HIGH SCHOOL NJROTC
Miller High School Main Gym
1 Battlin Buc Blvd.
Each of the five branches of the military are honored in ceremonies that include a full military color guard presentation.

10 a.m.
CORPUS CHRISTI MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS
Sherrill Park
222 S. Shoreline Blvd.
The mayor’s committee and the Veterans Band of Corpus Christi host ceremonies at the city's park named for Warren Joseph Sherrill, the city’s first World War II casualty.

10:30 a.m.
FALLEN HERO CEREMONY
Prairie View Cemetery
FM 1069 and CR 122
Aransas Pass
Veterans honored include 2nd Lt. Dudley Ray Ives, who was killed in a World War II bombing mission in April 1944. Refreshments will be served following the ceremonies at the Third Coast Squadron CAF Museum, 3141 FM 3512 in Aransas Pass. Museum will be open for tours.

11 a.m.
VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK
North Austin Street
Rockport
Guest speaker is Rockport resident retired U.S. Army Nurse Corp. Lt. Col. Helene Harris. Refreshments served at the American Legion Post #363, 1701 S. Church St. in Rockport, immediately following ceremonies.

2 p.m.
USS LEXINGTON CEREMONY
USS Lexington Museum on the Bay
2914 N. Shoreline Blvd.
Corpus Christi
Laying of the wreath ceremonies with music by the the Veterans Band of Corpus Christi.

5:05 p.m.
FLAGS FOR HEROES
Ropes Park
3501 Ocean Drive
From November 9-17, members of the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi placed American flags in Ropes Park, Cole Park, and Oleander Point in recognition of veterans. Flags are sponsored by local businesses. The annual event culminates with a ceremony on Veterans Day at Ropes Park. Celebration is free. Flag sponsorship is $50 per flag.