Gainesville established the Medal of Honor Host City Program in 2001 to provide residents with a more interactive connection with America’s history, the military and the veteran community. We decided the best approach was to reach out to the men who had served the nation with heroic distinction and at the same time engage the community, especially its children, in the patriotic process.
The Medal of Honor Host City Program has won the appreciation of the Recipients who have experienced Gainesville’s small town, patriotic hospitality; many have returned again and again over the years, and encouraged other Recipients to attend. Since its inception, our Medal of Honor Host City Program has hosted almost half of our nation’s Medal of Honor Recipients who have inspired our community with their message of patriotism, sacrifice, courage and life values.
The program has grown to 4 full days of patriotic celebration. It begins with a grand welcome at DFW airport with the recipients and their families escorted by a motorcade 60 miles back to Gainesville. Patriots from all generations stand along the route holding banners, homemade signs, flags and cheer as the motorcade passes. It is genuinely a moving experience for anyone who has ever witnessed this event. The following days there are visits to local schools, a Patriot Dinner, a Banquet and a full military parade on Saturday concluding with a book-signing event at the Gainesville Civic Center.
CCAC Life member Allan (Bunky) Garonzik alerted the UTA ROTC department of this event several years ago and the Sam Houston Rifles (SHR) and the Color Guard marched in the parade. One year, the UTA ROTC department could not participate due to training commitments, so the SHR alumni participated in the cadet’s place. Thus, a tradition was born. Now the SHR and Color Guard, when training commitments permit, and SHR alumni participate every year and are crowd favorites. The crowd seems to especially enjoy seeing both the young and older generations doing drill movements. It is also a great way to confirm bonds between the generations. While a fun way to honor America’s Finest Heroes, participation provides wonderful positive publicity for UTA and the ROTC program.