Veterans Day Honorees - Oldest Living Fighter Pilot and more! Link to Mayor's celebration online

Honorees Announced for City of Houston's Veterans Day Ceremony HOUSTON - Mayor Sylvester Turner will join the Mayor's Office of Veterans and Military Affairs to honor two extraordinary individuals during the City's annual commemoration on Saturday, November 11. Colonel Joe McPhail, United States Marine Corps Retired, World War II and Korea – Corsair Fighter. Colonel McPhail is 102 years old and has resided in Houston for over 65 years. He is the oldest surviving Fighter Pilot in the United States. He served in over 240 combat missions and two Air to Air victories, and his awards include a Distinguished Flying Crosses – 2nd Award and Air Medal – 11th Award. Staff Sergeant Fred Douglas Witchet Staff Sergeant Fred Douglas Witchet, a World War II, Korea, and Vietnam War veteran who served with honor in the United States Army and was awarded a Purple Heart Medal and Bronze Star Award Medal for Valor, will be posthumously remembered. His widow, Mrs. Noami Witchet, and other relatives will attend the celebration. On November 17, 1965, he was declared a casualty of the Vietnam War during the Battle of la Drang. This battle was brought to widespread attention in 2002 from the Mel Gibson movie “We Were Soldiers.” His remains were returned to the States, but he was refused burial in what is now known as Houston National Cemetery. Witchet is buried in Paradise North Cemetery, Houston.

While the ceremony that traditionally precedes the parade will take place inside the City Hall Legacy Room, The Houston Salutes American Heroes Veterans Day Parade is canceled. Due to limited seating, the indoor event is open to invited guests, participants, and media only. The public is encouraged to watch the live streaming on Houston Municipal Television at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 11. HTV Website HTV Houston Television (houstontx.gov) and HTV Facebook HTV Houston Television | Facebook The televised celebration will include distinguished guests, a moment of silence in honor of the signing of the WWI Armistice, and Keynote Speaker Dr. Quindola Crowley, Lt. Colonel (Ret.) U.S. Army. There will be special recognition for women who served our country in the military.