City of Del Rio press release
Del Rio, TX – Veterans will be honored Nov. 11 in Val Verde County, even during COVID times, thanks to a joint effort between Val Verde County and the City of Del Rio. The two have joined up to host a Veterans Train or Parade down Veterans Boulevard, led by a formation of Laughlin T-6 Texan IIs.
“We really wanted to do a parade and an event that truly honored our veterans,” said Adrian Bitela, Val Verde County Veterans Services officer. “This plan ensures we honor veterans but working to keep them safe at the same time.”
However, the present COVID pandemic made it difficult to coordinate a parade or ceremony and ensure everyone is properly distanced and wearing a mask. “Typically, we have 300 to 500 people turn out for a ceremony and even more than that for a parade,” said Esme Meza, City of Del Rio Community Services Director. “There is no way we can make sure people are protected in that scenario.”
So, the county and city teamed up and pivoted to a scenario that does increase the safety of participants.
Bitela and a team of volunteers are lining people’s vehicles up on the State Hwy. 277 loop beginning at 10 a.m. The parade will be led by the Val Verde County veterans van and Maj. Gen. (ret) Gerald Prather and any veterans or supporters that want to line up behind them.
“We aren’t putting any limitations on this,” said Bitela. “Veterans can ride in the parade train or watch and those that support them have the same option,” Bitela said. A very short ceremony will be held off the 277 loop there, that should last less than 5 minutes, that will be broadcast via Facebook Live. Then, vehicles will be rolling towards State Hwy. 90 and head through Del Rio.
City of Del Rio Police Department and Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office will escort the “train” through Del Rio. “We really couldn’t ask for better support from law enforcement,” Bitela said.
As the train of vehicles goes down Veterans’ from “The Loop” to Gibbs Avenue, spectators are expected to be lining the Avenue to support the Veterans and see the flyover of T-6 Texans.
City staff members offers spectators the following suggestions for viewing the motorcade and flyover.
- Park alongside road or designated areas such as the Urban Oasis at the Civic Center for the parade route.
- Honk their horn as the motorcade drives by.
- Remain in their vehicle when viewing the parade.
- Follow social distancing guidelines and wear a mask whenever out of their vehicle.
- Don’t congregate in groups other than household members.
Lastly, motorcade members are asked to disperse when they arrive at Gibbs Avenue to avoid congestion and ensure proper social distancing.
For more information, contact the Val Verde County Veterans Service Officer, Adrian Bitela at 830-774-7548
