Several Veterans Day events will be held over the weekend. (Courtesy photo)

Veterans Day activities this month in and near Murphy not only recognize those who have served in the military, but bring attention to the Murphy Veterans Tribute, a sculpture and display planned for Central Park as a memorial to those who have served in the armed forces.

The tribute, designed by Halff Associates, features a sunken bowl surrounded by a walkway and accessible by a ramp or stairs. A sculpture of several metal beams reaches skyward from the center of the bowl. A sculpture of a soldier’s rifle, boots and beret stands watch over the scene.

Estimated cost to construct the tribute is $700,000.

DAWGS for Heroes will be taking family holiday photographs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10 at Central Park with proceeds going to fund the tribute. Cost for a 20-minute session is $40. Times can be reserved through www.signupgenius.com.

A groundbreaking for the veteran’s tribute is slated for 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) at the Central Park site.

American Legion Hale-Combest Post 315 will hold a brief ceremony Veterans Day, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

The program from 2-2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11 is at the Veterans Memorial at Old City Park in Wylie and includes dedication of three stones honoring WWI veterans.

Wylie Stadium is the site for the annual Veterans Day program performed Monday, Nov. 12 by Air Force JROTC cadets from Wylie and Wylie east high schools.

The ceremony starts promptly at 10:40 a.m. and concludes at 11:30 a.m. Guests are asked to arrive at the stadium by 10:20 a.m. to be seated for the program start.

A pre-event Veterans Reception with complimentary light breakfast starts at 9 a.m. at the 544 Café on the WHS campus facing Kroger supermarket. Shuttles will take veterans from the stadium parking to the café.

Welcome and introductions begin the program, followed by a presentation of the colors and singing of the national anthem. A brief history of Veterans Day and the President’s Veterans Day Letter will be read.

Veterans in attendance will be recognized by era and then by branch of service, with branch service music played.

All WHS and WEHS cadets will perform a pass and review to conclude the ceremony.

Murphy Exchange Club is hosting at Veterans Day lunch meeting at noon Monday at Country Burger. The guest speaker is Vietnam veteran Lou Diamond, a MVT member.

The monthly Murphy Chamber of Commerce luncheon, from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13 also is dedicated to honoring military veterans. The luncheon will be held at Murphy Community Center, 201 N. Murphy Road.

All veterans’ lunches will be provided for free. The cost for family members of veterans is $15, and for non-family guests is $20. Murphy Veterans Tribute Committee will give an update on the memorial project.

To reserve a place for the chamber luncheon, contact the chamber 972-805-3749.

By Joe Reavis • Staff Writer • [email protected]

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