Memorial Day Weekend Brings a Tribute to Our Local Veterans

In West Texas, honoring our veterans isn’t just tradition, it’s personal. This Memorial Day weekend, Abilene comes together for a special event that pays tribute to every man and woman who wore the uniform and defended our freedom with courage and sacrifice.

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Event Details

What: A Salute to Service – A community-wide tribute to all veterans
When: Friday, May 23, 2025 at 10 AM
Where: Eagle Colony / Old Colony Cemetery, Oldham Lane, Abilene, Texas
Who’s Hosting: APEX Accelerators at Texas Tech – supporting veterans and small businesses nationwide
Contact: Call 1-806-742-7822

Why This Matters to Me

As someone whose family has deep military roots, nearly all the men on my mom and dad's sides, two of my three sons, and several of my in-laws have served or are currently serving, I don’t just appreciate our veterans, I honor them deeply. They are the defenders of our nation, our values, and our people.

That’s why this event moves me, and I believe it will move many across Abilene and all of West Texas.

Meet the Hosts: APEX Accelerators

Formerly known as the Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP), APEX Accelerators were established by Congress in 1985. They support small businesses in securing government contracts and play a key role in strengthening U.S. supply chains.

In 2023, the Department of Defense transitioned the program under the Office of Small Business Programs, giving it a renewed mission. Hosting this veteran tribute is just one of many ways APEX Accelerators continue to serve our nation beyond the battlefield.

May Is National Military Appreciation Month

Since 1999, May has been officially recognized by Congress as National Military Appreciation Month. It’s a time to recognize and reflect on the service and sacrifice of our military members, past and present.
Key observances include:

Loyalty Day (May 1)
Military Spouse Appreciation Day (Friday before Mother's Day)
Armed Forces Day (Third Saturday in May)
Memorial Day (Monday, May 26, 2025)

This month reminds us all that freedom is never free.

Join Us, West Texas

Let’s come together as a community on Friday, May 23rd to say “thank you” and honor every veteran’s sacrifice. Whether you’ve served, have a family member in the military, or simply believe in showing appreciation, your presence will matter.

Meet us at Old Colony Cemetery. Bring your heart. Bring your gratitude. Let’s stand united in honor of those who served, and those who gave everything.

Active Duty Military Installations In Texas

Texas currently has 15 active-duty military installations. Here is a look at the active-duty military installations in the Lone Star State.

Gallery Credit: Charlie Hardin

10 Abandoned Military Bases in Texas

Texas is a big state and over the years many military bases have been scattered all over. However, many of those military bases have been closed and either crumbled to the ground with their skeletal remains or have been transformed into other uses.