Texoma residents will have ample opportunity to show gratitude to our nation’s veterans on Veterans Day, November 11. A slate of free, family‑friendly events is scheduled across the region, offering everything from educational lectures to community cookouts and parades.
Educational and commemorative programs
In Gainesville, the National Center for Trauma Counseling (NCTC) will host a free‑admission Veterans Day Lecture. Guest speaker Jeremy Godwin will explore the history and significance of the holiday, providing a thoughtful backdrop for the day’s celebrations.
At Murray State College in Tishomingo, the campus will unveil a new Veterans Memorial. The dedication ceremony invites the community to honor local heroes and reflect on their sacrifices.
Community gatherings and meals
The Ardmore Veterans Home is organizing a Veterans Community Cookout beginning at 11 a.m., preceded by a ceremony of the Carter County Veterans Council. Likewise, the Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home in Bonham will hold a Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m., offering a solemn moment of remembrance.
Durant’s Veterans Day Parade will start at 9:30 a.m. in downtown, followed by a reception at the VFW. Choctaw Casino & Resort is contributing a free buffet voucher for veterans, valid all day, and a $20 free‑play voucher redeemable from November 12‑18 with proof of service. Choctaw Travel Plazas will also provide veterans with a free breakfast sandwich and hot coffee during morning hours.
In Ada, the Ada Sunrise Rotary Club will host its annual Veterans Day program at 6:45 a.m. in the Aldridge Café Ballroom, where all veterans eat free. The City of Tom Bean will hold its annual Veterans Lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, offering a complimentary meal for veterans and active‑duty service members.
Parades and public observances
Madill plans a Veterans Day observance on the courthouse lawn at 11 a.m., providing a public space for reflection. Sulphur’s parade will begin at 1 p.m., traveling from W. 12th and Broadway to W. 6th Street, with the public invited to watch along the route.
Denison’s Veterans Day Parade will roll down Main Street at 2 p.m., while Hugo’s parade starts at 10 a.m., moving from E. Kirk Street to Lions Park. Both towns will showcase local veterans and community pride.
Additional ceremonies
The Choctaw Nation will hold a Veterans Day Ceremony at 10 a.m. on the Tvshka Homma Capitol Grounds in Tuskahoma, honoring tribal veterans. Murray State College will also host a ribbon‑cutting ceremony for a new Veterans Memorial on its Ardmore campus from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to submit photos of themselves or loved ones in uniform to KXII.com/photos for a chance to be featured in the station’s newscasts throughout the week.
These events underscore the deep respect Texoma communities have for those who have defended our freedoms. By offering free meals, educational opportunities and public ceremonies, the region demonstrates a heartfelt commitment to honoring the brave men and women who have served our country.
Original reporting: KXII News 12 (Gray) — read the source article.
