In Houston, the annual Veterans Day "Houston Salutes American Heroes" celebration was held downtown. Marching bands and military vehicles rolled through downtown for the Parade of Heroes. Members of each branch of the Armed Forces waved to thousands of spectators who lined the street with flags to show their appreciation. There was also a job fair and health fair outside City Hall.
In Baytown, a Veterans Day ceremony was held at Veterans' Memorial Plaza on Market Street in front of Bicentennial Park.
In Kingwood, a Veterans Day barbecue was held at the Cypress Woods Retirement Community on Chestnut Ridge Road.
And service members enjoyed free meals at several restaurants all over town, including Applebee's, Golden Corral and Texas Roadhouse.
The Buffalo Soldiers National Musuem is honoring the African-American military experience in its brand new facility. It opened its doors at the historic Houston Light Guard Armory on Caroline Street just in time for Veterans Day. The museum is the only one in the country dedicated to African-American soldiers.
Honoring Texans who died in Vietnam
Texas is spending half a million dollars to honor the 3,400 Texans who died in Vietnam. A state grant allowed New Mexico sculptor Robert "Duke" Sundt to start work on the statue of five soldiers huddled in the ruins of an ancient temple. The statue will cost $1.5 million. One million dollars came from private donations. It will be finished next year and placed on the state capitol grounds along with other war memorials.
