A Salute to Veterans!


Honoring Those Who Have Served

Veteran’s Day is a time to honor and thank all military personnel who have served our great country in all wars, with particular emphasis on living veterans. The Military History Center of Broken Arrow and Metro & More are honored to present A Salute to Veterans, a tremendous concert event, in appreciation of the sacrifices made by those who have served.

On Nov. 10, at 2 p.m., the fifth annual concert will be held at the Kirkland Theater in Broken Arrow at 808 East College Street. There is no charge for admission, but donations may be made to the Military History Center to help cover the cost of the event. Many highlights are planned for the show, including Presentation of Colors by the Broken Arrow High School JROTC, and Miss Broken Arrow 2019, Maggie Bond, will sing several patriotic and military songs from the past. The concert will showcase The Tulsa Community Band, which will play patriotic music to honor those who have served in our armed forces, including some big band stylings from the WWII era. The guest speaker will be Mr. Johnnie Parks, Broken Arrow City Councilor. Dr. Clarence Oliver will preside over the invocation.

Event coordinator, Board Member, and former Executive Director of the Military History Center, Keith Browne, emphasizes the crucial nature of honoring our veterans. “It goes back to our mission statement of the Military History Center,” he said, “Promoting patriotism through the preservation of our military history. If we don’t remember our history and our veterans, then our upcoming generations will forget why we are even free today.” The concert is a major part of the tributes conducted in Broken Arrow. “It gets a little bigger and better every year,” he said, “and we’d just like to see everyone come out and support it.”

History Center President of the Board, Tom Mancino, BG U.S. Army (RET), is grateful to the city of Broken Arrow for the immense support they provide. “Broken Arrow is such a military-friendly community, and you see so many examples of their support,” he said, “such as Veteran’s Park, a Purple Heart City, and the support for the Veteran’s banners that will adorn all of the street lights beginning three weeks before Veteran’s Day.” Visitors to downtown Broken Arrow are encouraged to look for the 70 Veteran’s banners, honoring individuals who have served in our military. “This city has been very good to the military, and we appreciate all of the support that the community and city leaders give us,” he said.

The Military History Center and Museum, located at 112 North Main Street, hosts an impressive and astonishing collection of military exhibits and has recently developed essential programs to meet the needs of veterans with counselors and advisers on staff. An extensive library is also available on-site, and an amazing group of volunteers are eager to share their wisdom and stories with everyone.

Mark your calendar for the Salute to Veterans Concert, and join us as we show our immense gratitude for those who have served so that we may have the freedom to enjoy such a wonderful opportunity.