DALLAS — The ongoing federal government shutdown has led to the cancellation of the annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.
Organizers confirmed that the event, held every year to honor servicemen and women, will not take place due to the unavailability of federal resources. The ceremony, which traditionally features volunteers placing flags, performing songs, and saluting fallen veterans, could not proceed because essential equipment and facilities were locked in government buildings.
Gary Poplin, a representative of the Texas National Cemetery Foundation, explained that the decision was logistical. With the shutdown restricting access to golf carts, sound systems, restrooms, and flags, preparations became impossible.
“When the federal government shut down, I watched the list of things we couldn’t use grow by the day,” Poplin said.
With only eight days remaining before Veterans Day and no indication that the shutdown would end, organizers decided to cancel the event.
The cancellation has disappointed many families and community members who consider the ceremony a vital tradition. Alysia Bullock, whose father is buried at the cemetery, expressed sadness over the decision.
“It’s very important to honor our veterans because they’ve given their lives for our country,” Bullock said. “They took an oath to serve and protect, and it’s our job to honor them.”
Bullock also called for better planning to ensure that such events can continue despite government disruptions. “There should have been some preplanning, especially at the national cemetery,” she said. “Each veteran should still get a flag.”
Despite the cancellation, families plan to visit the cemetery privately to pay their respects. Bullock emphasized the importance of remembrance, saying, “It’s important that we make time to say thank you and pay our respects to all veterans.”
The Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery’s Veterans Day event has long served as a community expression of gratitude toward military service members.