2012 Medal of Honor Weekend Dates Set, April 11-14
MOH Weekend Story 2012
This year's Medal of Honor Weekend promises to be a record setting event as confirmed Recipient attendance is already nearing double-digits; 13 is the greatest number the annual event has drawn.
All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise specified.
11 April, Wednesday: Recipients' motorcade, escorted by Patriot Guard Riders will arrive at the Gainesville Civic Center approximately 5-5:30 p.m. A rousing Gainesville welcome at the Civic Center and the California I35 exit would set the tone for the weekend.
12 April, Thursday: Day's events focused on meeting and speaking with local students--the primary goal of the Host City Program--and the priority of the Recipients who want relaxed, “child-friendly” activities so that even the youngest benefit from the Recipients’ patriotic message.
Starting at 6 p.m. the public is invited to attend an informal fish fry at the North Central Texas College Field House; tickets are $10 per person. This is probably the best opportunity to meet and speak with the Recipients in a relaxed atmosphere.
13 April, Friday: Activities begin at 10 a.m. with the dedication of newly-planted live oak trees honoring each Recipient on their first visit to Gainesville. The public is invited to attend this short program at the intersection of Gainesville’s Homegrown Hero Walking Trail and Taylor Street.
Following lunch, the Recipients will get a chance to see some of Gainesville's local color including skeet shooting, ranch tours and learning the history of the area.
The annual Banquet and program begins at 6 p.m. with social hour at the Gainesville Civic Center. This is a reservations only event; further details on tickets, table availability and program content will be available at a later date.
14 April, Saturday: This year's parade will form up beginning from 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. and will step off at 10 a.m. sharp.
Following the parade the Recipients and Guests will break for lunch with active duty military and local emergency personnel and then be available for the 1 p.m. public book signing and autograph session starting at the Civic Center.
This is the last public event as the Recipients will leave on their return trips early Saturday morning.