Mary Torres, Special to the Star
Veterans Day, November 11, 2020, is an official Federal holiday honoring all military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces in both war and peacetime. It was on November 11, 1918 that World War I ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The fighting stopped and the seeds of what is now Veterans day were planted. Like so many historic military moments this one has become an important part of American tradition.
A year later in 1919, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation expressing pride in the heroism of those who had perished during the war. He officially inaugurated November 11th as Armistice Day. In 1954, the name of the holiday was changed to Veterans Day to also honor those who had served in World War II and the Korean War.
On October 30, 2020, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America proclaimed November 2020 as National Veterans and Military Families Month (https://www.whitehouse.gov) encouraging all communities, all sectors of society, and all Americans to acknowledge and honor the service, sacrifices, and contributions of veterans and military families for what they have done and for what they do every day to support our great Nation.
Locally, due to COVID-19 many of the ceremonies, parades, and other activities have either been canceled or curtailed. Many local restaurants and other businesses are offering free meals and other freebies including haircuts, on November 11 to veterans with Military ID or proof of service. Today, in honor of Veterans Day, Resaca de la Palma State Park, 1000 New Carmen Ave., Brownsville, TX, is offering free admission to everyone. You can enjoy over 8 miles of off-road trails, four observation decks that overlook four miles of Resaca wetland, and a 2.76-mile paved loop by tram, hiking, and biking. Call (956) 350-2920 or visit http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/resaca-de-la-palma for details. Other areas to visit include Veterans Memorial Parks in Harlingen, San Benito, and La Feria. Watch for information on local media and this newspaper for other activities.
The Rio Grande Birding Festival will be hosting its first Virtual Birding Festival, November 11-13, 2020. There will be virtual field trips, live bird banding, workshops, interactive games, and much more. For more details visit www.rgvbf.org or the festival’s Facebook page.
After a long absence the HCISD Performing Arts Conservatory, 3217 W. Wilson Rd., Harlingen, TX is back offering the great high-quality entertainment you’ve experienced in the past with a presentation of an immersive dance experience, “Earth, Wind & Fire Dance.” Performances are scheduled for Friday, November 13, Winter Texan Appreciation, Saturday, November 14, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. and on Sunday, November 15 at 2:30 p.m.
Masks are required at all events and may not be removed for the duration of the event. Consecutive seats are set up for family units, please be aware when selecting these for yourself that you may be seating next to another patron. Please follow all guidelines to protect yourself and others. Tickets available for purchase at https://www.hcisdpa.org/tickets. Seating is limited due to our social-distancing efforts. You won’t want to miss out on this one!
The Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum is gearing up for its annual Christmas Tree Extravaganza 2020! Stay tuned for details on how you can participate in this traditional event.
Stay safe!
