Mansfield takes Veterans Day event virtual

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By Amanda Rogers

Mansfield Record

Mansfield’s Veterans Day event is going virtual this year.

The fourth annual event will be recorded and broadcast on the City of Mansfield’s Facebook page at 10 a.m. Nov. 11, when it was originally scheduled to be held.

Veterans were concerned that some of their colleagues would not be safe getting out during the COVID-19 pandemic, explained Ann Beck, marketing & communications manager for Mansfield’s Parks & Recreation.

“We went through every possible 2020 scenario, and had to go with what was safest and best for the veterans,” Beck said. “We didn’t want anyone to feel obligated to come.”

There will be no parade this year, but the Salute, which is normally held at R.L. Anderson Stadium, will be recorded and broadcast.

“Every year we have a veteran from Mansfield speak, and that’s always a special part,” Beck said.

Previous years have included ROTC demonstrations, plus performances by school bands, church and elementary school choirs.

“It started with some veterans and the JROTC leader at Mansfield High, who wanted this to happen,” Beck said. “We have loved it and it has gotten better every year.”

Beck said the city would to recognize the city’s veterans, even if they can’t attend the event. Veterans are asked to register at https://www.mansfieldtexas.gov/FormCenter/Miscellaneous-22/Veteran-Registration-Form-96?fbclid=IwAR3Jx6ZsVzBCsXqc6zuJqRBeo3n1JyRWle_k9m_S2AXE3hPE7tAm0rFHNBs so that the city can deliver a goody bag and sign for the veteran’s yard.

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