Saturday, April 20, 2024
A parade, program and the North Texas Vet Fest/Ruck are planned in Granbury to honor veterans.
The program and parade are Monday (Veterans Day), the Vet Fest is Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
The program Monday starts at 11 a.m. in the auditorium at Granbury High School, 2000 W. Pearl St. Seating will be arranged for both students and the public to attend.
The parade Monday afternoon will form at 1 p.m. at the corner of Hannaford and Pearl streets, in front of Decker Gym. The parade starts at 2 p.m. heading east on Pearl and circling the square.
Patriotic floats, decorated vehicles, horse entries and military vehicles will be featured in the parade.
You can reach Asa Maddox at 817-964-7761 for more information, or contact the Granbury Chamber of Commerce, 3408 E. Highway 377, 817-573-1622.
PROGRAM IN AUDITORIUM
Retired Air Force Colonel Jerry K. “Kenny” Weldon II is guest speaker for the program. He is Commandant of the Corps of Cadets at Tarleton State University where he leads to Tohn Tarleton leadership Academy.
Weldon retired from active duty after more than 26 years as an Air Force civil engineer Officer.
He held multiple command positions and served as a senior policy advisor. His military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal and Legion of Merit.
Following his military retirement, he returned to his hometown in Stephenville and served three terms as the mayor.
Weldon is a graduate of the Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He also earned a Master of Science in Engineering and Environmental Management and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy.
In addition to his work at the university, he serves on several regional and local boards, including the Brazos Region G Water Planning Group, Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas and Cross Timbers Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He also serves as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Stephen-ville.
He and his wife, Carrie, a native of Dalhart, have been married for 34 years.
They have twins Kyle and Kayla, both graduates of Texas A&M University. Kyle and his wife Allison and their son Graham live in Fort Worth and Kayla Lives in Weatherford.
The program also includes music by the Granbury High School choir, and a presentation by vocalist Randy Alda, a Navy veteran. Alda will sing “When You Look at the Flag, What Do You See?”
A winner will be announced in the essay contest.
The Granbury High School Marine Corps JROTC will be involved with the program, as well as Boy Scouts.
VET FEST COMING THIS WEEKEND
The North Texas Vet Fest takes place Saturday, Sunday and Monday at the Field of Flags location in the 3600 block of Highway 377, near Taco Casa.
The Fest includes booths, artists, music, veteran/servant booths and food trucks.
“This will be a great way to say ‘thank you for your service and welcome home,’” said Doug Pruitt of the Rally Project, event sponsor.
The Veterans Day Ruck March takes place Saturday. Call 817-770-0425 for information. During the ruck, participants carry a heavy backpack to represent the challenges and hardships that the men and women face while serving in the military.
Vet Fest participants will also be in the Veterans Day parade as a “moving Field of Flags” unit.
VETERANS DAY REMEMBRANCE PRAYER BOX
A team of volunteers are offering prayers for veterans and active duty military personnel.
To request a prayer, leave the name and address of the person on cards provided at Memorial Lane. A “We Prayed For You” card will be mailed to the address.
The Veterans Day Remembrance Prayer Box will be at Memorial Lane, 561 N. Travis, from Friday until Monday, between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.
dschneider@hcnews.com | 817-573-7066, ext. 255
