City of Mission honors veterans with full day of Veterans Day festivities

MISSION, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The City of Mission held its 6th annual Veterans Day Parade in honor of Veterans Day.

The festivities kicked off on Saturday at the DD214 5K Freedom Run, followed by the annual Veterans Day Parade.

According to Mission Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza, dozens of floats participated in this year's parade, adding this year's parade was bigger than the year prior.

"We have about 26 entries or so. It's bigger than last year and we're hoping next year will be an even bigger event. We have some other cities participating, which is amazing. We have our first responders here. We have DPS, we have the Sheriff's Department. It's just amazing to have the cooperation that we have today," said Mayor Garza.

Garza added other cities also joined Mission to help make the event a success.

The parade was followed by the Veterans Day Festival, where attendees gathered for live music, vendors, and family-friendly activities. The event was held at the CEED Building, located at 801 Bryan Rd.

The festival was accompanied by the appreciation BBQ drive-thru event at the Mission Parks and Recreation building, located at 721 Bryan Rd.

Volunteers gave 1,000 free chicken plates to veterans during the drive-thru Veterans Appreciation BBQ lunch.