“Freedom is not Free.” That’s the theme of this year’s Veterans Day Parade.
It was also spoken aloud at City Hall Friday, when Mayor Joe Tison joined several veterans and supporters from the American Legion Post No. 163.
Tison proclaimed the week of Nov. 11 Veterans Week and is expected to announce the proclamation at the City Council meeting Nov. 24.
“Whereas the City of Weatherford, Parker County, Texas declares that the week of the month of November containing the 11th day shall be declared Veterans Week,” read the official proclamation.
Tison and Legion members sat informally in an office discussing the day’s events and the proclamation.
The group gathered near the American and Texas flags for a photograph to commemorate the moment.
Tison encouraged the public to join him in expressing gratitude to veterans for the service they have given.
“The reason why I’m doing the proclamation and presenting it to the council is to stress the importance that we as citizens in our community have of supporting our veterans,” Tison said. “Veterans day is a day we recognize them. I prefer that we not just set aside the day as a holiday but urge people to do something to tell a Veteran thank you and to also turn out for their parade or some activity that veterans have at that time. We have a great deal of gratitude to express for the debt they have paid to our society and what they have done for us. This is an opportunity for us to do so. I support them strongly.”
World War I is typically known in its era as being “the Great War.”
It officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed, June 28, 1919.
Fighting ceased seven months earlier when a temporary cessation of hostiles between allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month — hence the adoption of recognizing the day as Veterans Day and calling Nov. 11, 1918 as the end of “The War to End All Wars.”
The Veteran’s Day parade will be held 10:30 a.m., Nov. 11 in Weatherford, taking the traditional 1.5 miles-route from the Ninth Grade Center to Cherry Park.
Float entries must be submitted prior to the first week of November.
Awards are to be given to the best in school, business and independent categories including churches, social organization and clubs.
For more information, call Parade Committee Chairman Ron Chandler at (817) 223-8926 or Chuck Katlic at (817) 599-0952.
