Government Shutdown Leads to Cancellation of Veterans Day Program
A letter from the Texas National Cemetery Foundation Inc. said it was “necessary” to cancel the annual Veterans Day program at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery due to the government shutdown. The event was set to take place on the Veterans Day holiday on Nov. 11.
In a letter dated Oct. 28, the foundation, which has coordinated the Veterans Day event at the region’s national cemetery annually for more than 20 years, said “many of the assets, resources, support, staff, equipment and the availability of the cemetery” were “in doubt.”
Reasons for Cancellation
Gary Poplin, chairman and director of operations of the Texas National Cemetery Foundation, told WFAA-TV he “couldn’t make this event happen even if you gave me a blank check,” due to the lack of time to plan.
The letter, which was posted to the foundation’s website, said the Oct. 28 date was selected to cancel the event as the foundation had “reached the point in time of no return.”
Impact on Guests and Sponsors
“We have guests with airline tickets who must address that financial issue,” the letter said. “We have sponsors who must stop volunteer food orders since we will not be putting the flags up and of course taking them down, as well as holding the hot dog event after the folding of the flags.”
Poplin told WFAA-TV he was unable to confirm access to a military color guard, a military band and the use of flags and flagpoles, among other items.
Logistical Challenges
“There were not going to be any porta-potties,” Poplin said to WFAA-TV, “and once I got there I said this decision is really, really, really easy.”
Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery was dedicated in 2000 and is located at 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway in Dallas.
Alternative Events
More information on what has and has not been impacted by the government shutdown at the Department of Veterans Affairs is available on the department’s website.
Note: While this event has been canceled, there are other Veterans Day events taking place across Dallas-Fort Worth.
Stay Informed
Conclusion
The cancellation of the Veterans Day program at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery is a disappointing consequence of the government shutdown. The event has been a long-standing tradition, and its cancellation will be felt by many in the community. However, it is essential to prioritize the logistical and financial challenges posed by the shutdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the reason for the cancellation of the Veterans Day program?
A: The cancellation is due to the government shutdown, which has resulted in uncertainty regarding the availability of assets, resources, support, staff, equipment, and the cemetery itself.
Q: Will there be other Veterans Day events in Dallas-Fort Worth?
A: Yes, there are other Veterans Day events taking place across Dallas-Fort Worth, although the specific event at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery has been canceled.
Q: How can I stay informed about the government shutdown and its impact on the Department of Veterans Affairs?
A: You can visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information on what has and has not been impacted by the government shutdown.
