A 1st Armored Division Soldier salutes the American Flag during the Veterans Day ceremony at the Old Glory Memorial Park in El Paso, Nov. 11, 2016. (Photo by Sgt. James Avery, 24th Theater Public Affairs Support Element)

Fort Bliss, Flags Across America to join forces for Veterans Day ceremony

By 1st Armored Division Public Affairs

Fort Bliss is combining their annual Veterans Day ceremony with Flags across America for the first time.

The general public and Fort Bliss community are invited to attend the event at the Old Glory Memorial, 9500 Gateway North, El Paso, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. The ceremony immediately follows the Northeast El Paso Veterans Day Parade, which begins at 10 a.m. 

The parade route begins at the intersection of Stahala Drive and Hondo Pass. 

Guest speakers at the Veterans Day ceremony will include the acting senior commander of the 1st Armored Division, Col. Matt Eichburg and the president of the Castner Heights Neighborhood Association, Joe Molinar. 

“Given the special relationship we have with the city of El Paso, and the city’s large veteran population, we are excited to commemorate this event with the greater El Paso community who may not otherwise have base access,” said Eichburg.  

Fort Bliss officials made this decision in order to increase attendance beyond the traditional on-post ceremonies with a more family-friendly atmosphere this year. Fort Bliss Soldiers have participated in the parade since 2012.

The event will also include musical entertainment by the 1st Armored Division Band, the El Paso Firefighters’ Pipes and Drums band and El Paso Police Officer Slade Davis. 

Parking is available for attendees at El Paso Community College, Sue Young Park and at the Sam’s Club on Gateway North Blvd. The limited parking at Old Glory memorial will be for the disabled, or those with mobility issues on a first-come, first-served basis. 

In preparation for the parade, the north side of Diana Road, between Stahala and Highway 54 North, will be closed to traffic starting at 10:30 a.m. and Stahala Road will be closed from 8:30 until the event is complete; attendees should plan accordingly. 

Congress commemorated Nov. 11 as Veterans Day in 1938, with the final law approving the current calendar date being signed by President Gerald Ford in 1975. Veterans Day is an annual celebration of the patriotism, service and sacrifice of all those who serve or have served in the military.