Veterans Day - Honoring All Who Served

Monday, November 11, 2024

Veterans Day is a federal holiday and a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served in the military. We celebrate and honor veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

 

We invite you to attend programs and events hosted at Texas State University at the San Marcos and Round Rock Campuses, and in and beyond San Marcos. 

Below are many opportunities to participate. 

TXST San Marcos Campus

TXST Veterans Day

Hosted by:

Student Involvement & Engagement, Veterans Alliance of Texas State, Veterans Academic Success Center, Veterans Advisory Council, and Division of Student Success

Commemoration Program

Monday, November 11, 2024
11:30 - 1:00 PM
LBJ Student Center Ballroom
109 Student Center Drive
San Marcos, Texas
Texas State University  

Check-in with Refreshments: 11:30 AM 
TXST Veterans Valor Exhibit: 11:30 AM
Program: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM 

Free and open to all to attend. 

Lt. Col. (Retired) Les F. Edwards Jr.

Guest Speaker

Lt. Col. (Retired) Les F. Edwards Jr.
TXST Bachelors of Science in Applied Arts
Class of 2013
Veteran - US Army
Veteran - Texas National Guard

  • LTC(Ret) Les Edwards, Jr.

    LTC Les F. Edwards, Jr. a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and currently resides in Austin, Texas. He entered the United States Army in May 1986 and attended Basic Training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. He transferred into the Texas Army National Guard after receiving his commission from the Army ROTC, Texas State University. Upon his graduation, LTC Edwards attended the US Army Field Artillery Officer Basic course and has continued to serve in the Artillery and numerous of other assignments for over 32 plus years of creditable service of which 20 years are Active Federal Service. 

    LTC Edwards’ most notable assignments include, Commander 1-133rd Field Artillery Battalion, Commander 6th CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package, and most recent assignment Commander 1st Cavalry Main Command Post Operational Detachment, Ft Hood, TX. His deployments include Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).

    His military education includes the US Army Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advance Courses, Combined Arms Services Staff School, Artillery Pre-Command course and the Command and General Staff College. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts and Science and a Master’s of Science in Quality Management.

    His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal w/6 Oak Leaf Clusters and several other Federal and State Awards. He holds the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara, the Airborne Paratroopers Badge, Air Assault Badge, and US Army Combat Action Badge.

    He retired from the US Army on 31 July 2021 with over 32 years of creditable service. LTC Edwards is married to Sonia Edwards, they have two adult children, Jordan, and Jackie.

TXST Round Rock Campus

Veterans Day Mixer and Commemoration

Monday, November 11, 2024
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Round Rock Campus: Avery 252
Free and open to all
Refreshments provided.

Watch a live stream of the TXST Veterans Day Commemoration Program.
Students, faculty, and staff veterans can sign up to participate in the TXST Veterans Valor program. Items will be displayed at Round Rock campus.

Heroes Day @ TXST Football Game

November 16, 2024 | 6:00 PM
UFCU Stadium

First responders, healthcare workers, active and retired military personnel, and families from TXST and across the greater San Marcos community are invited.

TXST Veterans Memorial Garden

In November of 1989, a Veterans Memorial Garden was dedicated at a site between the Chemistry building and Old Main. The war monuments installed at the site had been gathered together from several locations across campus.  The original site proved more isolated than desired, so the Veterans Memorial Garden was relocated to its current location near the Quad on the southeast end of Flowers Hall in 2000. The garden was named after Lt. Col. Graham G. Kyle, who helped fund the relocation of the garden. 

Located near the Quad on the southeast end of Flowers Hall


Veterans Day - San Marcos, Texas and Beyond

Veterans Day Parade

Sat., November 09, 2024
9:00 AM
415 S. Mitchell Street
San Marcos, Texas 78666

Parade will begin on Hopkins Street at the intersection of CM Allen Parkway and will travel toward the Hays County Courthouse.

Veterans Month of Service

Begins November 1, 2024

The City of San Marcos, with assistance from the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, will host a month of service opportunities for the community to honor all who have served.

A Salute to Veterans

Festival & Concert
Sat., November 9, 2024
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Plaza Park
San Marcos, Texas

The festival is FREE to attend and will feature live entertainment, food vendors, craft booths, and activities for all ages.

Veterans Day Celebrations Across Texas

Visit here for a curated list of Veterans Day events and celebrations across the State of Texas. 

Wreaths Across America

REMEMBER the Fallen. HONOR those who Serve. TEACH our children the value of Freedom.

TX0916 - City of San Marcos is a coordinated effort of the City of San Marcos' Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee to place 588 wreaths at the City of San Marcos Cemetary to remember and honor veterans. We encourage you to sponsor a wreath.