Each year on Nov. 11, the cities of Denton, Dallas and Houston hold ceremonies or parades to honor their veterans. Concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic have changed those plans, but city, county and university leaders combined their efforts to still show appreciation for both veterans and active military.

Denton’s Veterans Day celebration traditionally takes place on the Downtown Square, with veterans and supporters gathered amid displays of flags to hear speakers pay tribute to those who have served or are currently serving. This year, however, Texas Woman’s University has joined with the Denton County Veterans Service Office and others to produce a Virtual Veterans Day Ceremony. Chancellor Carine M. Feyten joined local government officials in recording a video for the event.

In the video, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and TWU Student Veterans Association president Alex Pritchett introduces the chancellor. Pritchett says, “I consider myself incredibly lucky to be a student at Texas Woman’s University and be under the leadership of those that understand what we have sacrificed as veterans and who do what they can to support us.”

Feyten states in the video that service to the university’s veteran students is a priority, noting it is so important that Veterans is one of four areas of distinction in TWU’s Strategic Plan. She also outlines the university’s services that support the success of TWU’s military affiliated students, and notes that the university is home to the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) national archives.

“On behalf of all of those at Texas Woman’s, I want to acknowledge the sacrifice many have made for the freedoms we enjoy today,” Feyten said. “And, we participate today to demonstrate our support for those still serving and their families.”

The Greater Dallas Veterans Foundation, which sponsors the annual parade in that city, this year is honoring veterans with a Veterans Day Virtual Celebration and Experience. The city of Houston also is hosting a modified Veterans Day celebration, with events ranging from mostly virtual to drive-thru.

More Veterans Day information

• There’s another way you can support veterans. There’s still time to sign up for “Walk a Mile in their Shoes,” a virtual 5K hosted by the TWU Student Veterans Association. The cost is $10 per category to participate in a walk, run or roll (wheelchair), and registration and payment must be received by 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11.
• If you are a veteran, take advantage of Veterans Day 2020 Discounts offered by a variety of businesses and services.
• If you want to know more about the history of Veterans Day, read more from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which describes Veterans Day as “A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”