Veterans Day Parade Canceled in Victoria But There is More to Do

Sadly COVID has canceled many of our favorite community events and now, most recently, Victoria's annual Veteran's Day parade.

As reported by the Victoria Advocate, "Andy Rosales, chairman of the Victoria County Veterans Council, said it is heartbreaking that the parade had to be canceled. “It is a sad time to have these events,” Rosales said. “We just have to abide by it.”

Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day honors those who had died while in military service. Veterans Day falls on a weekday this year on Wednesday Nov.11th 2020, so expect banks, city offices, some schools and city services, and businesses to be closed in observance.

Even with the parade canceled, there are still things WE can do to honor those that have served right here in Victoria right now.

Displaying the American flag is a great way to show your support for the military and your love for our great nation. Consider displaying a flag at your work or home. There are tips for properly displaying the American flag here.

If you can't visit a veteran at a nursing home, consider calling them instead. What if you don't know a veteran at a nursing home? Call anyway. We're willing to be there are some seriously cool folks at places like Bethany Senior Living who will gladly put you in touch with a veteran so you can thank them. Never forget the power of putting a smile on a stranger's face.

You could even take your family for a stroll through Victoria's famous Field of Honor at Parkway Chruch, on John Stockbauer, and talk about those who serve and what freedom means to you. It's pretty amazing to think Victoria is one of only a handful of communities that dedicates an entire field for veterans or hosts events such as Warrior's Weekend.

Local restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings offer discounts and free food to veterans on Veterans Day, like an order of ten boneless wings free to those that have served or are currently serving, Starbucks is offering a free tall hot brewed coffee as well and this article by Military.com features an entire list of restaurants that are participating in Veterans Day deals, discounts, and freebies to honor our veterans, so check that out here as well.

Even with the Veteran's Day Parade canceled for Victoria, there is a way to honor those that serve. Thanks to COVID, we just might have to be a little more creative this year.

Thank you to all that serve.