Groups plan 2026 Veterans Day events in Cherokee County

Area veterans will be recognized during special events planned next week to commemorate national Veterans Day, which is observed Nov. 11 annually.

• On Nov. 8, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office association will host “Ruck for our Veterans,” an 11K ruck march honoring those who have served. The event begins 9 a.m. Sunday at Nichols Green Park in Jacksonville, with participants honoring national Veterans Day, the 11th day of the 11th month, according to sponsors.

The march is open to veterans, families and community members, who are invited to bring a backpack and wear weight if you choose, carry the flag, or simply walk in remembrance and support. Water will be provided along the route. Proceeds benefit the PTSD Foundation of America, supporting veterans and their families in the fight against post-traumatic stress.

• The Bullard Community and the American Freedom Museum will host a 1 p.m. Veterans Day Celebration Saturday, Nov. 7, at the American Freedom Museum Plaza located on the campus of The Brook Hill School in Bullard. U.S. Army Major General Viet Luong and Marine Lt. General Richard Carey will be at the event, which will include military vehicles, a 21-gun salute, firing of the cannon, bagpipes and recognition of veterans. The American Freedom Museum will be open to the public free of charge from 1-3 p.m. that day.

• The seventh annual Veterans Celebration, sponsored by the Jacksonville Garden Club, begins 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Buckner Park Pavilion, 123 Newbern St. in Jacksonville. This year, the group will celebrate the 250thanniversary of the country’s founding, with a program featuring guest speaker retired Army CSM Jason Murray; local entertainer Walker White; Mike Balfay, an area veteran who is a member of the Patriot Guard; and area disc golf champion Monte Bruington. A color guard will be posted, along with a 21-gun salute and TAPS. There also will be military vehicles on display. 

• Rube Sessions Memorial Library of Wells will recognize local veterans and their families, serving coffee and donuts throughout Wednesday, Veteran’s Day. Library patrons and local families are encouraged to bring a picture of a veteran in their family to the library, which will be displayed at the library throughout the month. Rube Sessions Memorial Library is located at 298 Rusk Ave. in Wells.

• The annual Cherokee County Veterans Day Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11, begins at 11 a.m. on the courthouse lawn in downtown Rusk, in front of the Veterans Memorial.  The ceremony will include a guest speaker, patriotic music and an honorary rifle volley salute.

• Also on Nov. 11, Jacksonville’s First Methodist Church invites families of veterans and active military to a performance by the church’s Handbell Choir on Wednesday, “Let Freedom Ring!” Dinner begins at 6 p.m. in Waller Hall, followed by the handbell performance at 6:30 in the church sanctuary. All are welcome.

Meanwhile, two area school districts have planned special programs for students to recognize and honor veterans:

The Rusk High School Veterans Day program begins 9 a.m. Wednesday at Eagle Coliseum on the RHS campus. The event is open to all local veterans, who are invited to a reception afterward.

In Alto, the local school district will host a 9:30 a.m. program Wednesday to honor veterans and their service to our nation. Several guest speakers will be present, while various student groups will perform. After the program, a lunch will be provided for all veterans and their guests. 

 

The Heritage Center of Cherokee County, Texas in Rusk has amazing displays of veteran memorabilia and is open Saturday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. each weekend, as well as by appointment on weekdays. The museum is located near downtown Rusk at 208 S. Henderson St. Call 903-714-8685 to learn more.