(Press release)

The Central Texas Veterans Health Care System is set to honor our nation’s veterans with two Veterans Day ceremonies Tuesday, Nov. 11. Outdoor ceremonies will take place at the Avenue of Flags as follows:

Waco VA Medical Center – 8:30 a.m.

Temple VA Medical Center – 11:00 a.m.

In Waco, Congressman Chet Edwards will be the keynote speaker. The Connally High School Band is set to perform, along with musician Russ Murphy, who has had three hits on the Christian Country Music Chart. These hit songs include “An American Soldier,” “Welcome Home Soldier” and “My America.”

Greg Schannep will represent Congressman John Carter at the Temple VA ceremony as the keynote speaker. He will be joined by the Holland High School Band. Murphy will also perform at the Temple ceremony.

From generation to generation, American military personnel have fought with dedication and courage to maintain our national security, and to preserve the ideal of freedom from tyranny for all peoples. The ceremonies at the VA hospitals will commemorate these brave soldiers, past and present. Both ceremonies include the placing of wreaths as the names of veterans who died in the last year are read.

To help kindle a new spark of patriotism and express their pride in service, veterans are encouraged to wear their medals earned during military service at these ceremonies and other Veterans Day ceremonies. These medals may be worn on civilian clothing over the left breast.

The public and media are encouraged to attend the ceremony of their choice.