VFW to discover the spirit of Texas: San Antonio welcomes VFW's 104th National Convention in August

VFW Magazine, May, 2003 by Shannon Hanson

History buffs will be thrilled when they get to San Antonio for VFW's 104th National Convention, Aug. 23-29. With a history stretching back to its initial settlement in 1691 and founding in 1718, the country's ninth-largest city is a crossroads of modern progress with history and tradition. As such, there is a variety of things to see and do.

* The Alamo. Nestled in the heart of the city, the Alamo is San Antonio's most famous spot, where 189 men fell on March 6, 1836, defending the fort from Mexican General Santa Anna. Of the original fort, the chapel and Long Barracks remain, today offering a museum and library.

* River Walk (Paseo del Rio). A favorite attraction of visitors to San Antonio, the River Walk features cobblestone and flagstone paths lining each side of the San Antonio River as it winds through the city's business district. With some areas quiet and park-like, and others busy with restaurants, boutiques and nightclubs, the nearly three-mile walk stretches from the convention center to the King William Historic District. River cruises are available for sightseeing and open-air dining.

* Market Square (El Mercado). Patterned after an authentic Mexican market, the lively Market Square features more than 100 specialty shops filled with colorful crafts, culture, food and music.

* San Antonio Missions National Historic Park. This park features four historically and architecturally significant missions established along the San Antonio River in the 18th century. Other important cultural resources are available, as well as a visitor center, museum and bookshop.

* Fort Sam Houston. Just northeast of downtown, this national historic landmark traces San Antonio's military history from 1845 to the present and features more than 900 historic buildings.

* La Villita. The site of the city's original settlement, this unique historic district offers artisans' workshops, restaurants, galleries and boutiques housed in charming, small dwellings.

* Spanish Governor's Palace. This national historic landmark was named "the most beautiful building in San Antonio" by the National Geographic Society. Finished in 1749, its period furnishings show life in Spanish colonial Texas.

* Tower of the Americas. The 750-ft. tower, the theme structure for the 1968 HemisFair, offers a panoramic view of the city and surrounding area. Glass-walled elevators carry visitors 500 feet up to a restaurant and observation level.

* Buckhorn Saloon e3 Museum. Offering 33,000 square feet of wildlife exhibits (more than 500 different species are featured) and Texas history artifacts, the museum also has an arcade, store and cafe.

For further information, contact: San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau, P.O. Box 2277, San Antonio, TX 78298-2277. Tel. 1-800-447-3372, Fax 210-207-6782. SACVB@sanantoniovisit.com www.sanantoniocvb.com

Contests and Rally Information

The application deadline for participation in the following competitions is June 15, 2003. Following the deadline, a schedule of starting times will be sent to all applying units by July 15. There is no application fee and contests are open to the public. Be aware that Lackland AFB will require identification for security reasons. Specify the contests in which you are competing. For applications, rules and prize list, write:

J. ROBERT BRADY, CHAIRMAN, 319 Tadmar Ave., Perrysville, PA 15237-1821 (412) 366-4115; Fax: 412-366-3117; e-mail: jrbrady2@juno.com

MONDAY, AUG. 25

* Senior Men's VFW Color Guards--8 a.m. first unit

* Senior Ladies VFW/Auxiliary Color Guards

* Junior ROTC Color Guards--Exhibition Drill/VFW Rules--Male, Female or Mixed

* Junior Drill Teams (non-JROTC)--High School, Organized Drill Teams and Majorette Corps

* Junior ROTC Armed Drill Teams--Exhibition Drill/VFW Rules--Male, Female or Mixed

* Junior Unarmed Drill Teams--Exhibition Drill/VFW Rules--Male, Female or Mixed

* Junior ROTC Individual Rifle Contest--Male

* Junior ROTC Individual Rifle Contest--Female

* Junior Duet Rifle Competition--Male, Female or Mixed

TUESDAY, AUG. 26

* Completion of contests for above units--8 a.m. starting time

* Patriotic Rally begins at 5:30 p.m.

* Presentation of awards by Commander-in-Chief Raymond C. Sisk

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 27

* National Ritualistic Contest--1 p.m.

Plan to Tee off

The VFW National Golf Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 23, at Silverhorn Golf Club. The $65 entry fee is due with application by July 15. Entries received after this date will cost $100.

The entry fee includes 18 holes of golf and cart, continental breakfast and lunch. Trophies will be presented to the top teams.

The four-man scramble will begin at 7:30 a.m. Golf dub rental is $35 per day though sets are limited.

To request an application or for more information, contact: Glen Gardner, Department of Texas, P.O. Box 14468, Austin, TX 78761. (512) 834-8535.

Motorcycle Ride for Children

VFW's fourth annual motorcycle ride, which commemorates the late Howard E. Vander Clute, Jr. (adjutant general, 1981-1994), is Aug. 23 and rallies in San Antonio. This year's theme repeats 2002's "Children's Ride for Victory."