Today, Texas Land Commissioner and Veterans Land Board (VLB) Chairwoman Dawn Buckingham, M.D. encourages Texans and Veterans to visit the The American Veterans Traveling Tribute's (AVTT) Traveling Vietnam Wall and Cost of Freedom Tribute on display at the Alfredo Gonzalez Texas State Veterans Home (TSVH) in McAllen from Thursday, May 23 to Friday, May 24, 2014. Texans can also attend the parade at the Alfredo Gonzalez TSVH following the memorial ceremony on Friday.
"As citizens of this great state and nation, we have no greater duty than to show our deepest reverence for the service of our nation's heroes, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation or are among the missing from overseas conflicts," said Commissioner Buckingham. "The American Veterans Traveling Tribute is a meaningful way for Texans and Veterans to unite to honor our fallen and missing warriors. I encourage the McAllen community and beyond to take advantage of this unique opportunity."
American Veterans Traveling Tribute in McAllen
The Tribute Wall displayed at the Clyde W. Cosper TSVH will be 360 feet long and the larger version of the traveling Tribute Wall. It includes the Traveling Vietnam Wall and tributes to other conflicts and attacks. This incredible Tribute Wall has traveled across the country to promote the remembrance of all those who have served our country.
The Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., is known as "The Wall That Heals." However, not everyone can travel to experience the mighty black granite walls inscribed with the names of the men and women who gave their lives or remain missing. In 2005, retired Lieutenant Colonel Don Allen, a U.S. Army and Vietnam Veteran, founded The American Veterans Traveling Tribute to bring "The Wall That Heals" to his fellow Veterans.
American Veterans Traveling Tribute Scheduleat Alfredo Gonzalez TSVH: Traveling Wall Escort departs American Legion Post 37: 9:00 a.m. May 23 Traveling Wall open to the public: 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 23 Memorial Ceremony (open to the public):
Begins at 10:00 a.m. May 24, parade to follow Master of Ceremonies & Welcome
Diana L. Zarate, Administrator, Alfredo Gonzalez TSVH
Posting of Colors
RGV Veterans Color Guard
CPT Munguia, Raul
Sgt. Beltran, Phillip
SSG Escobedo, Rick
SSG Albiar, Frank Pledge of Allegiance
Johnnie Pennington Air Force, Resident Council President
National Anthem
Karla Lezama
Invocation
Stephen Coder, US Army State Guard, Chaplain
Guest Speakers
Raul Munguia, Army/Navy VFW Post 8788 Commander
Jessica Villarreal, USMC
Steve Harris, US Army, American Legion Post 37 Commander
Moment of Silence
TAPS
Mr. Gabriel Escobedo
Closing
Diana L. Zarate, Administrator Alfredo Gonzalez TSVH