Mexican Border Service dedication
The newest addition to the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial, honoring the veterans of the Mexican Border Service, will be dedicated on Saturday, Feb. 28, at 10:30 a.m. This statue is a representation of Major Charles Young, U.S. Army, as a commander in the 10th U.S. Cavalry “Buffalo Soldiers” in 1916. The dedication’s keynote remarks will be given by Captain Alfred ‘Al’ E. Scott, USMC (Ret.)
This dedication is the first BVVM event for the historic American 250 celebration year and coincides with the annual Black History Month. The soldier chosen to represent the conflict, Major Young, served in the U.S. Army from 1889 to 1922 after being the third Black graduate of the United States Military Academy. He commanded the 2nd Squadron of the 10th U.S. Cavalry during the 1916 Punitive Expedition by the U.S. into Mexico. He was the first Black man to achieve the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army.
This event is open to the public and to the media.
Veterans Day Ceremony
The Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial Board’s Veterans Day Ceremony is held each year on Nov. 11 at 5:30 p.m. under the American Pavilion, located within Veterans Park and Athletic Complex. The 2025 keynote speaker was John B. Sherman, dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University; 2026 details will be added here when available.
Activities will commence with the “Honor Wall Roll Call,” a reading of military veteran names recently added to the memorial’s Wall of Honor. Musical renditions, remarks and presentations to follow include: National Anthem, special recognition of Brazos Valley Heroes (Service Medley), Rifle Salute by the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets Ross Volunteers, Taps and more.
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
The Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial Board’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony is held each year on Sept. 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the War on Terror site. The ceremony is free and open to the public.
The ceremony will also include 5-5-5 bell ringing, wreath laying, a 21-gun salute, and Silver Taps.
The War on Terror site includes a steel relic from one of the World Trade Center towers and life-sized bronze statues representing a police officer, firefighter, and special operations soldier.