In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11 as the first observance of Armistice Day, stating:
“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…”
According to a 2021 study by the state-funded Texas Workforce Investment Council, the Lone Star State is home to 1,509,835 veterans. Every year in November, these brave men and women of service are honored across Texas in different cities and areas. Texans have made Veterans Day parades and events a lifelong tradition to honor our veterans’ sacrifices to serve and protect our nation.
Below are a few of the many Veterans Day events and parades that will take place in Texas.
Abilene
FREEDOM VETERANS PARADE:
The parade will be on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 11 am. There will be a car show and much more!
Location: Abilene, 200 Pine St, Abilene, TX 79601, USA
According to the parade’s website:
NEW PARADE ROUTE: The parade proceeds under the underpass north on Pine Street
then turn right on to North 1st St., then turn left on Walnut St. At North 6th St. turn left
and left again on Pine St. and go back under the underpass to the staging area. Try to
maintain a 30-foot space between units. Disband in the 200 & 300 block of Chestnut &
disperse to the South or West.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PARADE PARTICIPANTS
A. The following rule is in effect for the safety of small children: NO items, including
candy, gum, buttons, t-shirts, business cards, etc. are to be tossed, thrown or handed
out by any parade moving vehicle, during the parade.
B. ALL ENTRIES MUST BE UNDER 13 FEET TALL TO FIT UNDER THE UNDERPASS.
C. Motorcycles, four-wheelers and bicycle riders should be extremely cautious around
horse groups. Absolutely no revving of engines under the underpass.
D. Place entry numbers on both sides of your entry.
E. After a unit has entered the parade – no one is permitted to board or dismount that
unit.
F. If your vehicle has problems – please move to the side and let the next entry
proceed. You must complete the parade route to receive your prize, if awarded.
G. Riding units must have at least 6 riders to be judged.
Houston
Houston will host the “Houston Salutes American Heroes Veterans Day Celebration” on November 11, 2024. The day begins with a traditional Veterans Day Ceremony at 10 a.m. at City Hall, followed by the American Heroes Parade at 11:30 a.m. The parade starts at the corner of Dallas and Bagby, proceeding east on Dallas, north on Louisiana, west on Walker, south on Smith, and west on Lamar, concluding at Lamar and Bagby. This year’s parade grand marshal is Vice Admiral James W. Crawford III (Retired), the 14th President of Texas Southern University.
Dallas
2024 Greater Dallas Veterans Day Parade
The 11th Hour Ceremony at Fair Park will begin at 11:00 a.m. on November 11. It will feature a wreath-laying ceremony accompanied by Taps, a Missing Man Formation military flyover, and patriotic remarks from local civic and military leaders. After the ceremony, area High School JROTC cadets will perform the vibrant Massing of the Colors. The parade will start at the intersection of Admiral Nimitz Circle and M.L. King Blvd., continuing down Grand Avenue for the review.
Pearland
Brazoria County Veterans Day Parade
The 26th Annual Veterans Day Parade of Brazoria County, hosted by VFW Post 7109, will take place on Monday, November 11, 2024, to honor the courageous service of our veterans.
The parade will begin at 11:00 a.m. at Parkway Church, 3005 Pearland Pkwy, and end at Independence Park, 3449 Pearland Pkwy, concluding at 12:30 p.m. Afterward, a Veterans Day program will be held on the stage at Independence Park from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
San Marcos Veterans Day Parade
Event Details
The City of San Marcos, with support from the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, proudly presents this year’s Veterans Day Parade, themed “Honoring All Who Served the United States of America.” Held annually on the Saturday before Veterans Day, the 2024 parade is set for November 9.
The event invites veterans groups, military organizations, civic clubs, bands, drill teams, public officials, equestrians, youth teams, classic vehicle enthusiasts, and more to join the celebration. Participation is free. Pre-parade activities will begin at 9:00 a.m. on the Hays County Courthouse lawn.
Parade Route
The parade will start at the intersection of Hopkins Street and CM Allen Parkway, heading toward the Hays County Courthouse. After passing the Courthouse, it will turn left onto Guadalupe Street, left onto San Antonio Street, and proceed along San Antonio Street before turning left onto CM Allen Parkway. The route will finish back on Hopkins Street at the line-up area for disbanding. Street closures for the parade will begin at 7:30 a.m.
Parking
Parking is available at City Park, the Old Fish Hatchery Building, and Rio Vista Park, with limited downtown parking outside the road closures. Handicap parking will be available at Veramendi Plaza Park.
Kiwanis Club Kids Bicycle Brigade
The San Marcos Kiwanis Club, celebrating over 100 years of service to the community, invites kids ages 5 and older to decorate and ride their bikes, trikes, or scooters in the parade! From 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on the Courthouse lawn, Kiwanis members will provide free flags, streamers, and sign materials for decorating. Kids will then join the parade, riding around the Courthouse with Kiwanis Club members. No pre-registration is required, and participants will be entered in a drawing to win a free bicycle.
San Antonio
Veterans Day Parade
- The United States Military Veterans Parade Association invites you to honor veterans and active service members at the San Antonio Veterans Day Parade downtown. The parade will feature decorated floats, local organizations, and middle and high school ROTC programs. The route begins at Milam Park and travels down Houston Street.When: Saturday, November 9, at noon
Where: Milam Park, 500 W. Commerce St., San Antonio
Cost: Free
The Austin Veterans Day Parade begins at 9:30 a.m., with a procession along Congress Avenue from the bridge to the Capitol building. A ceremony at the Capitol will follow to honor those who have served.
Happy Veterans Day to our nation’s veterans. Your steadfast dedication and selfless sacrifices for this country inspire us all and are deeply appreciated. Thank you for all you’ve given.
We look forward to seeing everyone there to celebrate and honor our heroes.
