Texas Weekend of Remembrance

1. CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
PARKS & RECREATION

2. Texas Weekend of Remembrance is a time for military members, veterans and
their families to come together and honor the memory of their lost loved
ones through camaraderie and commemoration of their sacrifice. This event
will become a precursor to Memorial Day and restore its original intent by
allowing everyone to show their pride and respect for the men and women
who have paid the ultimate price.
MISSION & PURPOSE
College Station, TX | Veterans Park & Athletic Complex | May 25-27, 2018 1

3. NEED FOR A CITY-WIDE EVENT
• Community identity
• Low tourism time frames
MILITARY SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
• Overwhelming support for past, present, and future military members.
• Home to 30 military based organizations and 14 facilities.
• Texas A&M University is the largest producer of officers in the nation aside
from military academies.
• 1,200 veterans attending Texas A&M University.
• Over 9,000 veterans residing in the Brazos County.
• Over 1,200 veterans accounted for in the B/CS city cemeteries.
BACKGROUND
College Station, TX | Veterans Park & Athletic Complex | May 25-27, 2018 2

4. COMMITTEE
College Station, TX | Veterans Park & Athletic Complex | May 25-27, 2018 3
Member Represented Organization
Espiridion Zuniga USO Houston
BG(R) Joe Ramirez TAMU Corps of Cadets
SFC John Gately TXSG-Army, HQ-J6
Stephen Beachy Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial
Jerry Smith TAMU Veteran Resource & Support Center
Mike Barker Heroes Sports
Leisha Mullins Museum of the American G.I.
Gerry Hince Coalition of Brazos Valley Veterans Organizations
Heather Huhnke Brazos Valley Cares
TSgt Albert Hetrick U.S. Air Force
Dr. John Blair George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Dr. Angela Durko TAMU Dept. of Recreation, Park, & Tourism
Eliu Rojas Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund
TJ Robie Texas Veterans Commission

5. MILITARY REPRESENTATION
• George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
• Memorial Student Center
• Texas A&M University Veteran Resource & Support Center
• Museum of the American GI
• Coalition of Brazos Valley Veterans Organizations
CURRENT MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS
• American Legion Post #159 Memorial Day Ceremony
• VVA Post #159 Memorial Day Ceremony (Sunday prior)
• Elk Lodge #859 Fish Fry Luncheon for American veterans and their
families
• Boy Scout Troop 967 Memorial Day pancake breakfast and garage sale
• Team Red, White, and Blue ruck march (Saturday prior)
• Wreaths Across America flag planting at city cemeteries
COMMUNITY
College Station, TX | Veterans Park & Athletic Complex | May 25-27, 2018 4

6. ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE
• 10,000
ATTENDEE PROFILE
• 80% of Texas population resides within 3 hours of
College Station
• Brazos Valley residents
• Active military, veterans and their families
• Unit reunions
• Military public figures
• Teens, adults, seniors
EVENT INFORMATION
College Station, TX | Veterans Park & Athletic Complex | May 25-27, 2018 5

7. OPENING CEREMONY
• Patriot Guard Riders Procession
• Parachute Jump-POW MIA
• Presentation of Colors
• National Anthem
• Roll Call
• Welcome Remarks & Keynote Address
• Amazing Grace
• Rifle Salute
• TAPS
LEST WE FORGET
College Station, TX | Veterans Park & Athletic Complex | May 25-27, 2018 6

8. • Opening Ceremony
• Musical Performances
• 5K Run/Walk & 1 Mile Kids Run
• Sunday Service by Military Chaplain
• Self-Guided Veterans Memorial Tours
• Military Softball Tournament
• Military 7v7 Flag Football Tournament
• Local Military Affiliates in Attendance
• Kid Activities
• Photo Ops with Military Vehicles
EVENT ACTIVITIES
College Station, TX | Veterans Park & Athletic Complex | May 25-27, 2018 7

9. EVENT SITE
College Station, TX | Veterans Park & Athletic Complex | May 25-27, 2018 8
KEY:
STAGE

10. STATEWIDE SUPPORT
• 20,000+ estimated attendees
• 3 hours within 80% of the Texas
population
• Ranked the 2nd state with the most
veterans, active duty and reserve
members of the military
• Anticipated increase will bump
Texas to #1 in 2027
FUTURE OF THE EVENT
College Station, TX | Veterans Park & Athletic Complex | May 25-27, 2018 9
LOCAL SUPPORT
• Easterwood Airport
• Texas A&M University
Opportunity to
become the main
event in Texas for
Memorial Day
weekend.
SUPPORTING
VETERANS &
ACTIVE MILITARY
• Fundraising opportunities
• Access to local, state, and
national resources