Taylor County Commissioners Give Texas Veterans the Green Light

Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11. This is the day our country's leaders set aside to honor all military veterans who have served or are still serving in our Armed Forces.

The holiday was originally named Armistice Day, the day the United States and Germany signed the treaty to end World War 1. This treaty was signed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. At the recommendation of the American Veterans' Organization, Congress and the President passed a bill in 1954 to rename Armistice Day to Veterans' Day.

To this day Veterans' Day is celebrated on the 11th day of the 11th month, with community gatherings, parades, and other events to honor our nation's veterans. So my question is, why is this year's Veterans Day parade in Abilene being celebrated on November 4th?

I reached out to Taylor County Commissioner Chuck Statler who has been on the Veterans' Day Parade committee for years. Commissioner Statler said, "The reason November 4th was picked is out of respect for Dyess Air Force Base and their annual Dyess Open House on Saturday, November 11, 2023."

Furthermore, the Taylor County Commissioners and Taylor County Judge have proclaimed that from November 6th through November 11th, a green light will be lit and displayed at the Taylor County Courthouse and other Taylor County buildings in honor of our veterans.

Commissioner Statler added, "This will be the second year the green light will be lit in honor of our veterans in accordance with the National Association of Counties."

When you see the green light you'll know what it means - a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of our veterans for the freedoms we enjoy today.