In front of City Hall, the City of Houston celebrated area veterans on the morning of November 11 as part of its annual “Houston Salutes American Heroes” Veterans Day celebration. BVA’s Greater Houston Regional Group (GHRG) reported a feeling of elation to be a part of the event, which included entering a float (pictured here with the participants) in a parade that brought thousands of onlookers lining Houston’s downtown streets.

Other participants in the Texas-sized tribute included local Veterans Service Organizations, ROTC students, marching bands, and other supporters of veterans and the military.

Vice Admiral and former legal counsel to the Joint Chiefs of Staff James W. Crawford III (Ret), appointed only five months ago as the 14th president of Texas Southern University, was honored as this year’s parade Grand Marshal. Crawford also gave the keynote address recognizing the occasion.

“This event was such a great success that we will make it an annual activity of the Greater Houston Regional Group, said group President Armsted Chambers. “We had 19 members ride on the float, and we were emotionally moved by the size of the crowd and the enthusiastic support from many people saying ‘Thank You for Your Service’— just an amazing time for our members.”

Texas has the largest veteran population in the nation with more than 300,000 veterans in residence.