SAN BENITO — The Veterans Day Parade will have women at the forefront this year.
This year’s theme, “Unsung Heroes — Women in the Military,” will highlight female war veterans.
Victor Garza from the San Benito Veterans Advisory Board said every year the board brings attention to those who served the country and this year would be no different.
“We need to not forget that the women served and contributed quite a bit for our freedom,” Garza said.
The San Benito Veterans Advisory Board is inviting all women who served in the military to participate in the parade and be recognized for their service.
“They’ve done their part,” Garza said.
The ceremony will begin with a parade led by the Naval Junior ROTC from Veterans Memorial Academy that will lead veterans and their loved ones down Sam Houston Boulevard to the Veterans War Memorial.
Local elementary students will be performing the National Anthem and student bands and choirs will provide additional music during the ceremony.
“We invite everyone to come, participate and listen,” Garza said.
A keynote address will be given by Janice Whitehead who served as a nurse in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
Garza said the board chose her to speak based on her contributions to the country.
“She went above and beyond taking care of our troops,” Garza said.
Additional speakers include local veterans Edith Clark and Laura Vela.
Garza said the women are active in the veteran community and have worked with the board before.
Veterans Females United, an organization that offers support and guidance to female veterans based out of Brownsville, will also be in attendance.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: San Benito Veterans Day Parade
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m.
WHERE: Veterans War Memorial, 151 S. Rowson Street
Veterans participating in the parade are being asked to meet outside City Hall at 8:30 a.m.
