Events celebrate Veterans Day in North Texas

DALLAS - Several events across North Texas are paying tribute to those who served our country.

Dallas

Dallas held its first Veterans Day parade in about four years due to COVID-19 and then weather cancelations.

The event featured a symbolic wreath-laying ceremony at Fair Park, as well as a military flyover and patriotic speeches by military leaders and local officials.

The parade itself started at the intersection of Admiral Nimitz Circle and Martin Luther King Boulevard. It made its way through parts of Downtown Dallas.

Meanwhile, at DFW National Cemetary, Captain Beau Hufstetler, a commanding officer at NAS Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth, reminded the crowd that freedom is a responsibility.

"Ronald Reagan once said freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We did not pass it to our children in the blood stream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same," he said.

The ceremony there also featured a flyover and performances by the Midlothian High School choir and Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base’s Color Guard.

Also in Dallas, an event at Klyde Warren Park focused on exercise.

The nonprofit organization Carry the Load, which is known for its Memorial Day march, challenged people to complete a 100,000-meter fitness program.

Participants kicked off the month-long challenge off using rowing machines and stationary bikes that were set up in the park.

Fort Worth

In Fort Worth, a Veterans Day parade was organized by the Tarrant County Veterans Council.

It started at the Panther Island Pavilion. Spectators got the best view of the patriotic procession along Forest Park Boulevard.

The annual celebration began more than 100 years ago. In 1919, the parade commemorated the Armistice that ended World War I and honored the soldiers who fought in that conflict.

Arlington

Arlington is holding its first Veterans Day parade in the city’s entertainment district. The festivities got underway at 4 p.m.

Organizers have assembled up to 100 parade entries, including bands from all Arlington high schools. In addition to what the students provide, there will be live music and a military flyover. 

Actor and Marine Veteran Barry Corbin is serving as emcee.

Plano

There was a sea of American flags at Oak Point Park in Plano. 

Each year the Plano East Rotary Club sets out 1,000 of them, each with a small placard telling the story of an individual veteran or first responder.

People were invited to walk through the flags, take pictures, and reflect on the sacrifices and dedication of those who’ve served.

Denton

A local U.S. Marine veteran got the keys to a new adaptive Chevy Tahoe for Veterans Day.

Adam Mayo joined the Marine Corp in 2005, shortly after graduating from high school. He served two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.

Then in 2012, he was on a training deployment in Thailand when he was attacked. His spine was shattered and he was left paralyzed.

On Monday, an all-veteran group of parachute jumpers delivered the keys to Mayo's new vehicle, which was modified by the Freedom Mobility Foundation so that he can drive it despite his disability.

Garland

World War II veteran James Baynham spoke at Brookdale Club Hill, a local senior living community.

Baynham, who lives in the community, served in the Air Force during WWII and was part of a B-24 crew that was shot down over Germany. Four of the 10 men on board were killed and five were held captive for months. Baynham is the last surviving crew member.

The event also featured bagpipes and other speakers.