Celbrate freedom Week
Celebrate Freedom November 2-9
During the week prior to Veterans Day, the City of Enid patrons and businesses are challenged to place yellow ribbons around the community to honor our veterans. The ribbons stay up during the month of November to bring awareness and recognition to those that serve our country in the armed forces. Thousands of yellow ribbons are placed in businesses, homes and throughout the community. The campaign kicks off a week long celebration of our military members which includes:
- Ride to Remember
- Opening Ceremony, Mon.
- Tree Planting Ceremony, VAFB, Tues.
- Free Luncheon for Veterans, Wed.
- Veterans Day Parade, Sat.
- Veterans Day Ceremony , Nov 11th - 6:30 pm
Ride to Remember
This event has been sponsored by the Moose Riders of Enid, the Enid Riders and now the Abate Riders of NW Oklahoma. This group has raised more than $50,000 to benefit the park, the construction of the Vietnam Memorial Wall and our programs. The event is held on the first Saturday of November and rides to military sites around Oklahoma. Make plans to join them on Saturday, November 4th, at 9:30 registration, 10:30 kickstands up.
Celebrate Freedom Kickoff Ceremony
The event is held at the Stride Bank Center to kick off our week of events. The services include lively entertainment, children's art contest award ceremony, reveal of the fallen hero exhibit, keynote speakers who empower us to remember the freedoms we enjoy are due to the men and women who serve this great nation. It is a great way to kickoff our weeklong series of events surrounding our armed forces.
Youth Patriotic Poster Contest
The WWoH is a patriotic organization who strive to remember our veterans. In addition to remembering our armed forces and fallen, the purpose of the WWoH is to perpetuate the stories of patriotism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who protect our freedoms. Toward this goal, we sponsor the Elementary School Poster Contest. The contest is open to all students K-5 grades. The theme incorporates patriotism and honoring the military. Participants use a variety of mediums to express the theme. The works created are unique and express the young artists' life experiences and culture. Each poster is judged on originality, artistic merit and expression of the theme.
Tree Planting at Vance AFB
Oaks trees are beginning to line the entrance to Vance Air Force Base in honor of those serving. Two years ago, during Yellow Ribbon Week, a tree was planted and the tradition continues each year on Tuesday, November 7th at 10 am. Dignitaries from around the area along with our Mayor and Base Commander host services to remember our POW's, MIA's and current military.
Free Meal for Veterans
A free meal for veterans is held on each Wednesday of the Veterans Day week. Originally began at the Railroad Museum and now hosted by the First Baptist Church of Enid and the AM Ambucs. The meal is free to any veteran (and accompanying spouses.) Goodie bags are provided to each veteran along with special thank you cards made by youth. Special guest speakers are invited and the event begins at 11:30 and ends at 1 pm. The church is located at 401 W. Maine, Enid, Oklahoma.
Veterans Day Parade
Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans–living or dead–but especially to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime. Enid celebrates this special day with a big parade. More than 100 local groups and organizations participate in the Veterans Day Parade. Parade organizers, the Noon Ambucs, have cars, motorcycles, floats, bands, horses and vendors. All NW Oklahoma residents are encouraged to go downtown and help honor our veterans. The parade is held in the downtown square.
Veterans Day Services & Legacy Award Ceremony
the Veterans Day Services for the City of Enid are held at the Stride Bank Center. The services, held each November 11th at 6:30 pm, honor our veterans and are held in conjunction with the Legacy Award Ceremony. This ceremony honors 6 veterans, one from each branch of service, along with a lifetime legacy award for their service to our country. For more information, see the details on the Legacy Award link.