ODESSA, TEXAS — Veterans, military families and community members from across the Permian Basin are invited to come together for Boots, Flags & Freedom, a free, family-friendly veterans event on Friday, Sept. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the UTPB CEED Building.

The Basin-wide event will honor local veterans, celebrate the freedoms they have defended and provide an opportunity for families to learn more about services and resources available to veterans and their families.

Boots, Flags & Freedom will feature a variety of activities for all ages, including food, children’s jumpers, a Veterans Resource Fair and participation from area JROTC programs. The event also will include a special 9/11 Memorial Reflection Display commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

A patriotic Flag Retirement Ceremony will provide an opportunity for the community to come together in a meaningful tribute to the American flag and the values it represents.

“The Boots, Flags, and Freedom event was developed through a collaborative partnership between the Odessa College Student Veterans Association and the Permian Warrior Partnership. As the nation prepares to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and continues the America250 Celebration, this community event reflects a shared commitment to honoring the service and sacrifice of our Military, Veterans, First Responders, and their families,” said Robyn Millar, OC Student Veterans Association advisor. “Participating organizations will be on hand to ensure that Veterans and their families know they are not alone and to help connect them with the benefits, resources, and support services they earned through their service to our country.”

The event is made possible through the support of participating organizations including representatives from higher education institutions and 30 Veteran Service Organizations from across West Texas. Sponsors include H-E-B and Sam's Club through donations of food and door prizes, Ector County Judge Dustin Fawcett, TG Fuels, and Felicia Saucedo of Fathom Realty. For more information, contact Robyn Millar, rmillar@odessa.edu, or Sheena Green, sgreen@permianwarriorpartnership.org.