A year ago, I was honored and humbled to be selected by the board of directors of the Texas Panhandle War Memorial and Education Center as the second Executive Director. Our first director, Perry Gilmore, oversaw the opening of the War Memorial Education Center amid the COVID-19 epidemic and the closing of many public buildings. Through his leadership and the board’s direction, the newly renovated former Randall County Annex opened to the public.
The Education Center was added to the Veterans Garden to meet the mission of the Texas Panhandle War Memorial to “Honor, commemorate and memorialize the service and sacrifice of Veterans through education and public services”. The Center is a place of reflection, learning, and understanding. Many of our citizens worked to make the War Memorial Center a reality, and from this foundation, we look to the future to tell the story of the Texas Panhandle’s involvement in America’s wars.
One of the visions I had was to have a quarterly newsletter sent out to our supporters, teachers, and donors, to let you know what is going on at the Memorial Center and what to expect as we move forward. With this first edition, the vision will grow.
This is the Panhandle’s War Memorial and Education Center, where we remember our Veterans who have served and are serving to ensure America’s freedoms are protected and defended.
I look forward to the future direction of the War Memorial and working with you to ensure this is a place where we honor and remember our Veterans. Any suggestions, donations, and support are always welcome.
§ Highlights
• New Museum Hours: Open: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Starting this week, Starting this week, we are changing our hours at the museum and education center. Thank you for your support!
• We launched a YouTube channel!
• Sabaton “History Rocks” Project
Swedish heavy metal band, Sabaton, has launched “History Rocks”, a worldwide museum project. We will be screening the band’s new animated film, “The War to End All Wars - The Movie,” in the two weeks surrounding Veterans Day on November 11, 2023. Check our Facebook page as the premiere approaches for specific dates and times of showings here at the memorial!
• We’re participating in The Panhandle Gives!
The Panhandle Gives is an annual giving event hosted by the Amarillo Area Foundation. Participating nonprofits keep 100% of the funds they raise, plus a percentage match of the total amount of the sponsored Amplification Fund.
We need your help to make our campaign a success! Please prepare your annual giving for the campaign period (November 20-28), and get ready to spread the word with us on Facebook and among your family and friends. We thank you in advance for your teamwork and generosity!
§ Upcoming Events
• September 30– Quilts of Valor Ceremony at 1:00 p.m. Presentation of handmade quilts by Quilts of Valor Foundation to local veterans.
• November 7– Election Day: Polling Center from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Vote here on state constitutional amendments.
• November 11– Veterans Day Ceremony at 11:00 a.m., free entry. Outdoor ceremony (weather permitting). Posting of the colors, pledge of allegiance, prayer, flyover, recognition of Gold Star Families, remarks from a featured speaker, salute to the services, and more.
