Langston City will once again pay tribute to America’s heroes through its annual Veterans Appreciation events, honoring those who have served with a weekend of community gatherings, worship, and celebration.
The observance begins Sunday, November 9 at 11 a.m. with the 12th Annual Veterans Appreciation Worship Service at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 222 N.E. Hale Street in Langston. The service, led by Pastor Everett E. Mack Sr. and hosted by the congregation, will feature worship, youth performances, and a Candle Lighting Memorial Service honoring veterans who passed during the previous year. Minister Thomas Steele, a U.S. Air Force veteran and graduate of Integrity Seminary, will deliver the message.
Following the service, Sunday dinner will be provided for all veterans and their families by the Ladies of Beta Phi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Weather permitting, the Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens will be open for tours from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
The main Veterans Day Program will take place on Tuesday, November 11 at 11 a.m. at the Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens, 313 East Turner Street, Langston. The event will open with a Danish and coffee reception at 10 a.m. and will be broadcast live on the Gardens’ Facebook page.
This year’s theme, “Service to Our Nation: An Artistic Perspective,” highlights the power of creative arts in honoring veterans, teaching youth, and providing healing for those who have endured the challenges of military service.
The featured speaker will be Command Sergeant Major Terrance D. Green, a 32-year Army veteran who has served in multiple overseas operations, including Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. His long list of decorations reflects his exceptional service and leadership.
Dr. Teressa Hunter, Dean of Langston University’s School of Nursing and a U.S. Army veteran, will serve as Mistress of Ceremony. The program will also include performances by the Langston University Concert Choir, directed by Dr. Chukwuebuka G. Ezeakacha, and a presentation by Professor Wallace Owens, founder of Owens’ Art Place Museum and a Korean War veteran.
Attendees will enjoy displays from the Oklahoma National Guard Museum, as well as artistic contributions from veterans including Kris Morgan of Guthrie, known for crafting and donating more than 1,400 wooden American flags, and artists Micheal Daly and Don Spoonemore.
The event will conclude with the presentation of awards to special honorees, including 98-year-old Korean War veteran and Purple Heart recipient Raymond Norwood, followed by the grand finale performance, “American Dream,” composed and performed by Army veteran Melvin Smith (Lemko), a national award-winning artist.
Admission is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to arrive early.
For more information or to support the Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens, email wmconradveteransmemorialgarden@gmail.com or mail donations to PO Box 27, Langston, OK 73050. Cash donations are accepted via Cash App: $wmcveteransmg.
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