Citrus Fiesta aims to honor Iraq, Afghanistan vets

MISSION — The 75^th Texas Citrus Fiesta will also pay tribute to the Rio Grande Valley’s Iraq and Afghanistan veterans about six weeks after U.S. troops withdrew from Iraq.

Rio Grande Valley Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans are invited to participate in the Parade of Oranges and a ceremony following the procession on Jan. 28.

“The plan is to include the veterans towards the front of the parade and give them great exposure and (it’s a) great opportunity for the entire community, not only in Mission, but also throughout the region to say thank you to the veterans for all their service,” said Matt Ruszczak, the president and CEO of the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, during a news conference Friday.

Between 60,000 and 100,000 people typically attend the parade and other festivities on Jan. 28, he said.

The veterans have the opportunity to march in the parade or ride on flatbed trailers. Any interested veterans should meet at 3 p.m. before the parade at the northwest corner of Conway Avenue and Farm-to-Market Road 495, Ruszczak said.

After the parade, Afghanistan and Iraq veterans as well as the public are invited to a ceremony at Leo Pena Placita Park, which houses the city’s veterans memorial. Mission Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas, state Rep. Sergio Muñoz Jr. and state Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa will speak during the ceremony, Ruszczak said.

“It’s just a small token on our part to say thank you for all of the sacrifices that they have made in order to keep us free and prosperous on this side of the ocean,” Ruszczak said.

The Mission Chamber and Workforce Solutions in conjunction with U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, are planning a fair to help all veterans learn about what services are available to them.  

The Feb. 21 fair will have resources to help veterans find jobs, pursue educational opportunities and enroll in veterans benefits, said Victor De Leon, spokesman for Workforce Solutions. The fair, which will be at the Mission Chamber of Commerce, will also include barbecues and outdoor entertainment. 

Organizers announced the fair at Friday’s news conference, but they are still planning and have not set an exact time for the event. 

Ruszczak said both events come at an important time after the Iraq war ended, but while struggles continue in Afghanistan.

“We do have a good amount of troops who have come back in the region who are looking to advance themselves and advance their families,” he said. “It’s a good time for us to put this together now.”

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Gail Burkhardt covers Mission, western Hidalgo County, Starr County and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at gburkhardt@themonitor.com and (956) 683-4462.

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