"As details emerge from the tragic events at Fort Hood last week, we are reminded of the everyday heroes that are among us" Representative Pete Gallego said.  "We pray today and everyday for the well-being of those affected by the terrible turn of events in Killeen, and ask that you keep our soldiers in your thoughts as well." If you would like to support the Fort Hood survivors and families, please visit the Killeen Red Cross 205-200-4400 www.waco.redcross.org or USO Fort Hood 254-768-2771 www.uso.org.

Representative Gallego said, "I along with my wife, María Elena, and son, Nicolás, would like to thank every patriot that has played a role to protect this country. It is their selflessness and dedication to duty that preserves our way life here at home."

What originated as "Armistice Day" on November 11, 1919 in honor of the first anniversary of the end of World War I, Veterans Day today includes parades, speeches, and various ceremonies that take place across the nation in honor of our troops.

Events in District 74:

Del Rio - The city of Del Rio is hosting a Veterans Day parade and ceremony Nov. 11.  The parade starts at 10:00am and goes from Star Park, down Main Street to 17th Street, stopping at the Del Rio Civic Center.  Following the parade, a ceremony will commence with a T-6 Texan II four-ship flyover at 11:00am at the civic center.  For more information contact Laughlin Public Affairs at 298-5988.  (via Laughlin Air Force Base and Del Rio News Herald)

Marfa - Marfa ISD will host a Veterans Day observance and luncheon on Wednesday, November 11.  The program begins at 2pm at Martin Field.  Guest speaker is Texas Parks & Wildlife Department game warden Zachary Moerbe, who served in the United States Air Force.  All veterans are invited and are asked to register at the football field at about 1:45pm.  The public is invited to share in this special day for our veterans.   Prior to the observance, all veterans are invited to a luncheon at Robinson Cafeteria.  The special, free luncheon will be from 12:30-1:30pm.  For tickets to the luncheon, contact Mando Garcia at 729-3432 or cafeteria manager Cynthia Hernandez at 729-4252.  (via The Big Bend Sentinel)

Van Horn - There will be a Veterans Day program at the High School Auditorium at 9am. (via Van Horn Advocate)

Uvalde - American Legion Post 26 and the Ladies Auxiliary will host a Veterans Day ceremony Wednesday at the Uvalde Adult Activity Center with County Judge Bill Mitchell as keynote speaker. The Uvalde High School Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps will post the colors sharply at 11am, with Jim Jackson, minister of music at First Baptist Church and a U.S. Air Force veteran, singing "The Star Spangled Banner". (via The Uvalde Leader News)