Veterans Day Week can be quite hectic with many activities to honor veterans. One moment veterans are being recognized, and in another moment they are working the very events in which they are being celebrated and thanked.
At Holley-Riddle Post 21 in The Colony, Texas, veterans embrace these moments and the opportunities that come with them. We are honored to go out in the community and be visible to our young citizens in school so they may learn and remember the service and sacrifice of our men and women of the armed forces. We have a purpose and a mission to teach - and Post 21 stepped up to every task with utmost professionalism, enthusiasm and pride.
On Nov. 6, during the city’s American Heroes Festival, Post 21 conducted a morning ceremony which included participants from the community. While the program focused on celebrating veterans, it also gave special recognition and appreciation to veterans families. Commander Garcia emphasized the important role spouses, parents, brothers, sisters and children play in the morale and welfare of our military. A Blue Star Service banner was presented to a mom and dad whose two sons are currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Navy. Children and grandchildren of the Sons of The American Legion proudly paraded the service flags during the event.
Later that evening, the Post 21 color guard presented the colors and the commander presented three more mothers with Blue Star Service banners in recognition of their children currently serving in the military. The city of The Colony clearly demonstrated their true support of veterans.
Veterans Day itself was heartwarming for our Legionnaires as we made the rounds in the community. Three elementary schools dedicated special events and drive by parades where children lined up with their “Thank You Veterans” posters in hand to cheer us on as we drove by and waved. The warm reception these children gave our vets was second to none.
Members of the post did take a short break to enjoy some special treats from some of our local restaurants. Post 21 continued Veterans Day activities by partnering with Scheels sports store in a flag exchange event. Vice Commander Ensweiler described the afternoon as a win-win.
Finally, the day culminated as the Post 21 color guard presented the colors at a benefit for the WWI Mobile Museum. The proud Legionnaires of Holley-Riddle Post 21, we were on a mission to serve our community—with “boots on the ground."
