On November 6-7 & 11, 2021, the Town of Langston City and surrounding communities will again honor all the men and women of the U.S. Military who are currently serving, who previously served, and who died in service to our nation. The National theme for Veterans Day 2021 is centered on the centennial commemoration of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Located at Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb was initially dedicated by the Army on Armistice Day, November 11, 1921, with the burial of an unknown service member from World War I.
For the 5th consecutive year, the Town of Langston City has been designated as a Regional Site for Veterans Day Observance by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Veterans Day local theme is “Don’t forget: remember a Vet!”
Veterans and their family members and friends are invited to attend the following events. Masks and social distancing will be utilized to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus. Each program will also be aired live on the Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens, the Langston Citizen and the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church Facebook pages.
Saturday, November 6, 2021 “The Fred Gragg Veterans Appreciation Luncheon” Wesley Center Foundation, 777 Sammy Davis Jr. Drive, Langston, Oklahoma -- 11:00am This event was initiated by and named for Fred Gragg, U.S. Marine Veteran, of Bartlesville, OK in honor of his fellow Veterans. The Luncheon is FREE for Veterans and their Spouses. A donation is requested from all other Guests, the proceeds of which will be donated to the ongoing development of the Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens. In addition to a fabulous meal, attendees will be treated to a soul-stirring program with Mrs. Archetta Burch-James, author of “FRANCIS CLINTON: A Buffalo Soldier, and American Hero.” Mrs. Burch-James will have copies of her book available to be purchased and autographed. Door Prizes will be raffled off to several very lucky Veterans in attendance. A newly added feature this year will be an array of gifts offered at a “Silent Auction” with all proceeds also dedicated to the Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens.
Sunday, November 7, 2021 “The 8th Annual New Hope Missionary Baptist Church Veterans Appreciation Worship Service” NHMBC 222 E. Hale Street, Langston Oklahoma -- 11:00am Veterans are invited to worship service designed to show our appreciation for their commitment to duty, and to pray God's best blessings on their lives. The New Hope Youth Department will provide a highly spiritual, praise and worship service as they sing praises unto God and give thanks to our Veterans. This year’s Sermon will be delivered by Guest Minister, Retired Air Force Veteran, and former Military Chaplain, Rev. Joe Norman, Pastor of Nehemiah Baptist Church, Midwest City, OK. All Veterans will be asked to introduce themselves by name and branch of service. A group photograph will be taken.
November 7, 2021 (continued) “Sunday Dinner for our Veterans and their Families” NHMBC Fellowship Hall, approximately 1:30pm This year the members of Beta Phi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority will be joined in hosting this ongoing dinner by member of other “Divine Nine” Sororities and Fraternities. New Hope’s Youth will escort Veterans to the Sunday Dinner which will include traditional “Soul Food” and some nutritious/diabetes conscious cuisine. A U.S. Flag Cake will be displayed and then cut by representatives from all military branches.
Thursday, November 11, 2021 “The Official Observance of Veterans Day Program” 11:00am Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens, 313 E. Turner Langston, Oklahoma, weather permitting; alternative site will be NHMBC. The Veterans Day Observance Program will include Keynote Speaker, Langston’s own Mr. James Alan Simpson, U. S. Army Veteran and LU Department of Chemistry Chair (Retired); an Active Duty Military Honor Guard from Tinker Air Force Base; a Member of the US Bugler Corps; two exceptionally talented local Veterans will offer Musical selections; and presentations of the winners of the Veterans Appreciation Art Contest. All Veterans in attendance will receive a commemorative Veterans Day 2021 Tee shirt.
On July 4, 2015, Army Veteran and Langston native Stewart Williams and his wife Maeoma, in the presence of local Veterans and Langston residents, dedicated and broke ground for the six circular gardens compound as a first act of honoring Veterans. The motto, purpose, and goal of the Veterans Memorial Gardens is to “Honor All Who Served.” All interested persons who would like to support this ground roots effort, please contact Mr. Williams by mail at PO Box 27 Langston, OK 73050, via email at stewartwilliams55@cox.net or by text at 405-359-8744.