Texas Panhandle War Memorial and Education Center

06/12/2026

Today is Texas Women’s Veterans Day

Texas Women’s Veterans Day is observed on June 12 to honor the service and contributions of women in the U.S. military, commemorating the signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act in 1948.

Significance and History:

The Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, signed by President Harry S. Truman on June 12, 1948, allowed women to serve as permanent members of the U.S. Armed Forces

Prior to this act, women could only serve in limited capacities, such as nurses or temporary wartime units. The day recognizes the past, present, and future contributions of women veterans, highlighting their roles in logistics, intelligence, combat, and other military specialties

The State of Texas formally established Women Veterans Day in 2017 through House Bill 2698, later incorporated into Senate Bill 805 and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 9, 2017

Texas has the largest population of women veterans in the U.S., with over 207,500 women veterans

06/11/2026

Dedicate a place of quiet honor in our Entrance Garden.

Your memorial gift helps us preserve a space where families, friends, and visitors can reflect on the service and sacrifice of veterans who stood in our nation’s defense. 🇺🇸🌿

The entrance garden to the Texas Panhandle War Memorial is getting a new look. The holly trees planted 5 years ago are dying from the direct sun. All 6 trees have been removed by Grow Amarillo Landscaping, a new drip system is being installed, and Golden Juniper will be planted.

The cost of the project is $4200. Each tree can be sponsored to honor or memorialize a Veteran for a $700 donation. A memorial tree plaque will be placed in front of each tree as a perpetual memorial to our Veterans.

Call Tim Reid at 806-350-8387 or go to the Zeffy Link

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/tpwm-entrance-garden-memorial

06/06/2026

Today marks the 82nd anniversary of Operation Neptune, better known as D-Day. These are the last words General Eisenhower spoke to his men before sending them out in the largest seaborne invasion in history:

Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!

You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of N**i tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.

Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely.
But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the N**i triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory!

I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!

Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.

06/03/2026

Plan to come out to the Annual Veterans Car Show at the Texas Panhandle War Memorial this Saturday, June 6 between 9am and 3pm. Come walk around, see some amazing vehicles, enjoy some food truck fare and honor our Veterans.

06/01/2026

🇺🇸 Meet G.C. Whatley - raised in Groom, TX, he spent his youth earning top honors at stock shows across the country before answering the call to serve his country. On November 25, 1944, Seaman 1st Class George Custer Whatley, Jr. gave his life aboard the USS Intrepid when Japanese kamikaze planes struck the ship. He was just 20 years old.

His name is engraved in our Memorial Garden, and his story deserves to be remembered.

Read more on our blog. 🔗 https://www.texaspanhandlewarmemorial.com/blogs/george-custer-whatley

The small town of Groom in Carson County in the Texas Panhandle mourned the lives of four of their sons during World War II, including George Custer Whatley, Jr. George (better known as G.C.) was born in Groom on October 1, 1924. His father, George, Sr., was a stock farmer and car dealer and his mot

05/29/2026

Scouts from Troop 87 conducted a flag retirement ceremony to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, retiring about 500 flags turned in by the community over Memorial Day.

05/24/2026

Tomorrow, Monday May 25th, is Memorial Day and the annual TPWM Ceremony honoring our Gold Star families will be held at 11:30 am. This year's guest speaker is Senior Chief Sherry Sanders, US Navy retd. Join us in honoring and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice so we can live in liberty.

05/23/2026

From a few years ago at the Marine Corps Museum on an Honor Flight in DC!

05/15/2026

Today, May 15th, we honor the fallen and injured men and women of local, county, state, tribal and federal law enforcement.

On October 1, 1961, Congress asked President John F. Kennedy to designate May 15th as a day to honor peace officers. In 1962, President Kennedy issued the declaration for Peace Officers Memorial Day to be observed on May 15th and the week of May 15th to be recognized as National Police Week. In 1994, Bill Clinton made an amendment through Public Law 103-322 that directed the United States flag to be flown at half-staff on May 15th in honor of the day.

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, more than 800,000 law enforcement officers serve in the United States today. Each year, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial adds new names to the wall. The average is 163 deaths per year. Fallen law enforcement officers represent all levels of law enforcement, including local, state, federal, tribal, and military law enforcement. They are family members, husbands, wives, parents, sons, and daughters.

05/14/2026

Mark your calendars for July 3rd at the Texas Panhandle War Memorial as we take a walk-through history as narrated by Ed Montana and other guests. It will be a great way to begin our celebration of July 4th and Americas 250th.

Sponsorships for this event are still available for $250. If you are interested contact Tim Reid at 806-350-8387 for details.