WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas — Each year, military veterans are honored around the country on November 11, the official date of Veterans Day. The holiday commemorates the service of men and women who have served in the United States Air Force, US Army, US Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps. This also includes those who serve in the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, and the newly created Space Force.
Formerly known as Armistice Day, the date of November 11 was designated a legal holiday and approved by Congress in May 1938. Initially it was to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954 the name was changed to forever be called Veterans Day after the occurrences of World War II and the Korean War. For a short time in the early 1970s, the date was changed to make it fall on a Monday based on the nation’s Uniform Holiday Bill signed on June 28, 1968, to provide for three-day weekends. The change of the date under the new law took effect in 1971 and caused much confusion across the country. This led President Gerald R. Ford to sign into law in September 1975 that the annual recognition of Veterans Day would always fall on November 11, regardless of the day of the week it was.
Celebrations in the Wilco region will take place on various dates, as follows:
ROUND ROCK — Saturday, October 24, 8 a.m.: Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike, sponsored by American Legion Post 447. The hike itself is for veterans, active duty, national guard and reservists only. Its purpose is to bring together veterans through use of humor and camaraderie to heal the mental wounds of war and help prevent veteran suicide. Civilians may join the hikers for festivities and place themselves at stop locations along the route in support of the participants.
LEANDER — Friday, November 6, 7 a.m. through Wednesday, November 11, 4 p.m.: Remember Homeless Veterans Donation Week at Veterans Memorial Park. Sponsored by Buttafleyeministry.org. Volunteers are still needed. Services and resources which will be available are medical care, employment assistance, haircuts, housing information, breakfast and lunch, and more.
HUTTO — Saturday, November 7, 7 a.m.: T.H.E. 2020 Vets Day 5K | Annual Fun Run for Toys for Tots, Fritz Park. Sponsored by Total Health Evolution. The event is held to support the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program and to show support for all veterans. The event is also a celebration of the 245th birthday of the Marine Corps The event features free wine for those ages 21 and older. Birthday cake will be served.