The Rio Grande Valley goes out of their way to pay tribute to Veterans on, or around, Veterans Day. Veterans Day honors all who have served in the United States Armed Forces acknowledging their sacrifice, courage, and dedication to the country.

While its origin lies in Armistice Day, which commemorated the end of World War I on November 11, 1918, recognizing the cessation of hostilities, it was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. It is now a celebration of everyone who has worn the military uniform, regardless of whether they served in wartime or peacetime. While Memorial Day specifically honors those who have died in service, Veterans Day recognizes all who have served, with a particular emphasis on thanking living Veterans.

Community events are held throughout the Valley and here we will tell you about a few of the ones you might want to attend.

The McAllen VA and Harlingen VA Health Center will hold a Veterans Day celebration and benefits fair on Thursday, November 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Veterans are invited to enjoy hot dogs, connect with VA staff, and explore the services available. McAllen VA is located at 901 E. Hackberry Ave. The Harlingen event is also a Stand Down, a day of support for Veterans experiencing homelessness. Visit to get connected to services you have earned. Bring a friend, spouse or caregiver to the events.

The City of Edinburg’s Veterans Day Parade will be held on Saturday, November 7 at 10 a.m. The event will showcase a remarkable assembly of patriotic floats beginning at Richard R. Flores Stadium (located at the intersection of 1800 S. Stadium Dr. and Mark Pena Dr.). These creatively crafted floats will follow a designated route ending at Closner Blvd. and Kuhn Street. The event is entirely free and open to the public, providing an opportunity for everyone to come and celebrate. Attendees are encouraged to join the Veterans Day Parade to celebrate the heroism and dedication of those who have served the country.

The City of Mission will host a Veterans Day Barbecue and Honor Lane Drive on Wednesday, November 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mission Event Center, 200 N. Shary Rd. Veterans are invited to enjoy a free meal and dine in or pick it up to go. Lunch is available while supplies last and will be a half chicken lunch plate with trimmings.

Bentsen RGV State Park will host a Veterans Day Ruck on Sunday, November 8 at 7:30 a.m. Those that wish to participate are asked to meet at the Park Headquarters.

If you wish to honor a Veterans or Veteran Family for this Veterans Day, there will be a flag placement ceremony held at the Rio Grande Valley Veterans Cemetery, On Wednesday, November 11, at 9 a.m. Flags will be available at the cemetery. It is located at 2520 S. Inspiration Rd. in Mission. Community members of all ages are welcome to attend. Help them ensure that every Veteran is remembered and honored.

McAllen Veterans War Memorial of Texas will host their Veterans Day event at 11 a.m. on November 11, honoring Veterans and is open to the entire community. It will feature speakers and community involvement recognizing the service and sacrifice of all who served in the armed forces. The memorial is located next to the McAllen Convention Center.

The Marine Military Academy in Harlingen will hold a Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11 at 4 p.m. It will be held at the academy and the Iwo Jima Monument Parade Grounds at 320 Iwo Jima Blvd. Following the parade, the academy often hosts a flag retirement ceremony at the Iwo Jima Monument.

If you enjoy eating out on Veterans Day, many places have specials for Veterans. You can try out specials at Denny’s, IHOP, Cracker Barrel, Texas Roadhouse, Outback Steakhouse, Applebee’s, Chili’s, Red Robin, and so many more places honor Veteran clientele with special pricing or free meals or an appetizer.

Even some big-name stores will have special discounts for Veteran customers. Those stores include Lowe’s, Home Depot, Kohl’s, Academy, Petsmart, Target, and Best Buy. You can visit the Hidalgo County Veterans Service Facebook page to find a full listing.

While these are not all of the Veterans events held in the Valley this coming weekend and Veterans Day, these are the few most noteworthy.