Arlington’s Entertainment District will serve as the backdrop for the inaugural Texas Veterans Day Parade, set to take place on Monday, November 11, 2024. This event, a tribute to the service and sacrifice of Texas veterans, will feature live performances, a helicopter flyover, and a patriotic drone show, alongside various other festivities.
Organized by the Texas Veterans Day Parade in Arlington Foundation and sponsored by the City of Arlington, the parade will kick off with a musical prelude at 3:30 p.m., followed by a flyover by Bell Helicopter at approximately 4:00 p.m. The parade route will start east of Randol Mill Road and Ballpark Way, proceeding west along the north side of Choctaw Stadium. The route will loop around Texas Rangers Sienna Lot M, following Nolan Ryan Expressway, AT&T Way, and Pennant Drive, before concluding near the Sheraton Arlington Hotel. A detailed map of the parade route is available here.
Honoring Heroes and Celebrating Patriotism
The parade route will pass by the construction site of the National Medal of Honor Museum, set to open in March 2025. Major General Patrick Henry Brady, a Medal of Honor recipient for his valor during the Vietnam War, will serve as the grand marshal for this significant event. Major General Brady’s presence will underscore the community’s deep respect for the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. military.
Arlington Mayor Jim Ross expressed his pride in the event, stating, “The inaugural Veterans Day Parade is yet another testament to our community’s deep-rooted respect and gratitude for the brave men and women who have served our country. Arlington has a long history of supporting its veterans, and this parade is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together to honor their sacrifices and celebrate their contributions to our nation.”
Parade Organizer Kevin Donovan highlighted the event’s mission, stating, “The goal of this free, family-friendly event is to bring the community together to honor Texas veterans and boost the spirit of patriotism in The American Dream City.”
Evening Festivities: Drone Show and Live Music
The celebration will extend beyond the parade itself, with a drone show by Sky Element scheduled for 6:00 p.m. in the parking lot east of Globe Life Field. The event will also include an induction ceremony featuring inductees from every branch of the U.S. military. Live music will follow at Texas Live! beginning at 7:00 p.m., providing entertainment for attendees as they gather to honor Texas veterans.
Barry Corbin, a Texas actor and Marine Corps veteran, will serve as the master of ceremonies. Known for his roles in television series such as Northern Exposure, Yellowstone, and Tulsa King, as well as films like Urban Cowboy and No Country for Old Men, Corbin will provide commentary from the reviewing stand on the north side of Choctaw Stadium.
A Parade to Remember
This year’s parade is expected to draw approximately 100 entries, including military vehicles from the Arrowhead Military Vehicle Preservation Association, bands from all Arlington high schools, the 1st Cavalry Division Band from Fort Cavazos, ROTC units from Texas Tech and Baylor University, the University of Texas at Arlington Maverick Battalion Color Guard, and local military units. The parade will showcase a wide variety of participants, making it an impressive celebration of service and patriotism.
For more information about the Texas Veterans Day Parade or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.arlingtonvetdp.org or email [email protected].
This inaugural event promises to be a moving tribute to veterans and a grand celebration of the spirit of patriotism in Arlington. Residents and visitors alike are invited to attend and show their support for the brave individuals who have served the nation.
