Perry to keynote Veteran’s Day celebrations
Published or Revised November 05, 2005
Texas Gov. Rick Perry will be in Paris on Veteran's Day, Nov. 11, to help Paris Junior College host one of the largest observances for veterans ever held in Northeast Texas.
The Veteran's Day event, to be held in Noyes Stadium on the PJC campus, will also feature the Ross Volunteers of Texas A&M University, College Station, a fly-over by F-16 jet fighters, and local bands and choirs.
Perry, who will give the keynote address, said he looks forward to joining the men and women of East Texas in honoring the service and sacrifice of every American veteran.
"We are free because they were brave," he said, "and we must never forget the great price of freedom they have paid on our behalf."
The Veteran's Day observance is a part of homecoming weekend at PJC. All former students and friends, as well as veterans and their families from throughout Northeast Texas, are invited to attend. Everyone attending the program is encouraged to arrive in time to be seated before 10:55 a.m. because the program will begin precisely at 11 a.m.
"This observance is for all veterans who have served their country in all branches of the service, including those who are currently serving," said Alumni Association President Thomas E. Hunt III. "We hope that Noyes Stadium is full of veterans and guests."
In case of inclement weather, the observance will be held in the Paris High School auditorium.
The Ross Volunteers, an elite Corps marching group, will escort Perry into the stadium. Colors will be posted, and as combined bands conclude the playing of the National Anthem, the jets will fly over the stadium.
Band and choir members from PJC and from all high schools in Lamar County will participate in the program.
PJC President Dr. Pamela Anglin will welcome those attending and will introduce the governor later in the program. The combined band and choir will provide special music, and a military group will present a 21-gun salute, paying tribute to the fallen veterans.
Anglin said it is important that PJC provide this ceremony to recognize and honor the men and women who have served our country in the past, and those who serve today.
"We want to pay tribute to all of our military personnel and to give everyone in our community - young and old - the opportunity to pay their respects, especially to those who have given their lives for our freedom," she said.
Prior to the observance in Noyes Stadium, the traditional PJC memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. in DeShong Chapel. This observances recognizes former PJC students who lost their lives in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. A wreath will be placed at the PJC War Memorial.
Following this program, transportation will be provided guests and participants from DeShong Chapel to Noyes Stadium for the 11 a.m. observance.
The climax of the homecoming weekend celebration will be the induction into the PJC Hall of Honor of all World War II veterans who attended Paris Junior College. This induction will take place at the Saturday awards luncheon.