...for as long as it takes                                
Parade Marshall and Keynote speaker was Police Chief Stan Knee, a Vietnam
Veteran and combat platoon leader.
The parade took 1 1/2 hours for all the units to make it to the Capitol. Del
Vale High school Marching Band was not only the lead unit behind the Colors
and Parade Marshall, but also provided 30 minutes of patriotic music on the
steps of the Capitol.
At 11:00 the Texas National Guard's "Black Hawks"
flew the down the length of Congress Ave to officially start the ceremonies.
Master of Ceremony, Bill McLemore of Travis County Veterans Service Office,
order the presentation of Colors provided by the American Legion's All
Service Color guard. This followed by Pledge of Allegiance and the singing
of the National Anthem. State Chaplain, Willie Dougherty gave the
invocation. Congressman Lloyd Doggett made open comments, followed by State
Representative Elliot Natshatt declaring Veterans Day in Texas on behalf of
Governor Bush.
County Judge Bill Alshire making his 12th and final
appearance along with Judge-Elect Sam Bisco and County Commissioners, read
the County proclamation. Mayor Kirk Watson and Mayor pro-ten Jackie
Goodfellow and Council member Gus Garcia read the City's proclamation.
Chief Stan Knee gave a very moving and heart felt speech.
The Travis County Veterans Day Parade committee for the past 12 years have
awarded students on essays on "What Veterans Day Means To Me." Savings
Bonds are award in amounts of $500, $250 and $100, with honorable mentions
getting $50. This year there 10 honorable mentions with these 13 winners
coming out of 54 entries.
Laying of wreaths by 45 veterans organizations were place before a replica
of the tomb of unknown soldiers.
The "Sisters of Joy," let everyone in singing "God Bless America." Texas
National Guard Arty. Unit furnished 21 gun salute, follow by taps. The
ceremony was closed with Chaplain Willie Dougherty giving the Benedictio
from Willie Dougherty