City of Mission issued the following announcement.
Each year, thousands of people unite to commemorate Veterans Day, a holiday that honors all those who have served the country in war or peace. This year, the City of Mission is honoring local military heroes with a Veterans’ Appreciation BBQ Saturday, Nov. 7. The drive-thru event at Mission Event Center will feature a chicken plate with all the trimmings, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. while supplies last.
“We want to make sure our community recognizes the true meaning behind Veterans Day,” Mayor Dr. Armando O’Caña said. “We must honor the men and women who have sacrificed for our freedom. I wish we could host our second annual parade, but the safety of our community is first and foremost so we had to change things up this year to take the necessary coronavirus precautions.”
Veterans are urged to decorate their vehicles in red, white and blue to showcase their patriotism as they pick up their plates. First responders are being asked to join the festivities to honor the military heroes with lights and sirens as they drive thru “Honor Lane” at the Mission Event Center. In addition, the Hidalgo County Veterans Services department will be on site to promote military services and government resources available to local veterans.
After the barbecue, community members can enjoy a Veterans Car Show from 3-8 p.m. outside the CEED building, courtesy of the 5 x 5 Brewing Company. There will be plenty of family-friendly entertainment including live local music and a food truck court. Masks and social distancing will be enforced.
Visitors will be allowed to visit the RGV State Veterans Cemetery over the holiday weekend to place flowers or flags at the grave sites of loved ones, provided they avoid any large gatherings or close contact with other families. The City of Mission recently took over the Veterans Cemetery and is now serving as the primary entity responsible for maintenance and day to day operations.
The celebration recognizing military men and women will continue throughout November. The City of Mission is also offering a FREE round of golf throughout the month for the first 100 veterans to sign up at Shary Municipal Golf Course. A military ID is required for registration.
“We want our men and women in uniform, past, present, and future to know that we cannot thank them enough,” Mayor O’Caña said. “This BBQ and a round of golf on us, is just a small token of appreciation.”
To cap off the tribute, the inaugural City of Mission Veterans Virtual 5K will be held, with a Veterans Day themed run that is perfect for the whole family. The fun includes great swag including a bib, shirt and custom medal, along with online results for the running community. The registration deadline for a guaranteed t-shirt is Friday Oct. 23.
For more information on the Veterans Fest, please call 956.580.8662 or visit missiontexas.us.
Original source can be found here.