The American Freedom Museum, Texas Veteran’s Classic Car Show and the American Veteran’s Traveling Tribute (AVTT), will host their annual East Texas Salute Honoring World War II and Korean War Veterans from all over East Texas, on Saturday, May 13th, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. The event will be held on the grounds of the American Freedom Museum, located at 1051 North Houston Street (Old Jacksonville Highway), in Bullard, Texas. The Museum is located on the campus of The Brook Hill School.
This year’s event is as an expression of heartfelt gratitude to our aging veterans. To the men and women who fought and won the Second World War and to those who fought in Korea to preserve that victory. These men and women fought in a different time allowing us the freedoms that our current military are fighting to preserve. We will spend the day honoring this special group of veterans and letting them know that their service for our country is appreciated and that many people here in East Texas are proud of them and want to shake their hands and thank them for their service.
The media and public from all over East Texas are invited to this admission-free historical, patriotic and educational event and ceremony. The salute and activities will run from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 13th. The American Freedom Museum, Traveling Vietnam Wall and Texas Veterans Classic Car Show (with over 175 classic cars), will be available for viewing, free of charge, beginning at 9:00 a.m. We will begin the morning with a parade of military vehicles down Old Jacksonville Highway carrying some of our veterans followed by a brief ceremony and jet fly over honoring the World War II and Korean War veterans. There will also be a complimentary lunch served to all in attendance and many other activities throughout the day.
The public event and ceremony on Saturday, May 13th, will be an admission-free event featuring:

• Parade of World War II military vehicles carrying some of our WW II and Korean War veterans down Old Jacksonville Highway to the Museum, led by the Patriot Guard Riders and a military helicopter 8:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
• East Texas Men in Harmony (9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.)
• Ceremony, recognition of World War II and Korean War Veterans, entertainment: Huge American Flag display, jet flyover, military vehicle presentation, General Patton’s grandson, Pat Waters, Patton Impersonator, World War II Aircraft Flyover (9:40 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
• Complimentary Lunch Served Immediately Following the Ceremony
• Veteran’s Swing Band and Andrew Sister’s (11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
• World War II Reenactment and Flyover (1 p.m.)
• Award Ceremony for Texas Veteran’s Classic Car Show (2:30 p.m.)
• American Freedom Museum (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
• Texas Veterans Classic Car Show (8 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
• The Traveling Vietnam Wall (8 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
• Military, SWAT and First Responders Vehicles (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
• Helicopters (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
• Texas Military Personnel (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
• Children’s Activities (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
• Exhibitors and Vendors (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

The American Freedom Museum’s mission is to Honor American veterans and military personnel for the sacrifices they have made to ensure the many freedoms we enjoy each day, to Educate this and future generations about our rich American heritage, and to Inspire others to achieve greatness in their lives as the men and women throughout our nation’s history have done. The “East Texas Salute” provides the opportunity for the citizens and students of East Texas to show their appreciation for the sacrifices of our military men and women, to acknowledge their courage and to show them the honor and support they have earned. Please join us as we honor and pay tribute to these great American heroes who sacrificed their lives protecting our God-given freedoms.
Contacts:
Jan Hommel – American Freedom Museum Director
(903) 894-5252 (office)
(903) 570-3449 (cellular)
Email: [email protected]
www.americanfreedommuseum.org
Mike Balfay
Texas Veterans Classic Car Show
(903) 894-1041
Email: [email protected]
Don Allen – AVTT Coordinator, LTC USA Retired
(507) 380-2465
Email: [email protected]