Edinburg to take center stage during first-ever Rio Grande Valley Navy Week

Edinburg News, Edinburg TX News, U.S. Navy

Staff Report

Edinburg, TX – Edinburg will serve as a focal point for several ceremonies and public events during the inaugural Rio Grande Valley Navy Week, scheduled Jan. 24–31, as the U.S. Navy brings more than 70 Sailors to the region for the first time.

The weeklong observance will include educational programs, community service projects and ceremonial appearances across the Valley, with multiple events highlighting Edinburg’s military history and connection to Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Alfredo “Freddy” Gonzalez, a city native.

Honoring Sgt. Alfredo “Freddy” Gonzalez

A Freddy Gonzalez Navy Week Dedication will take place Jan. 26 at 9:30 a.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Edinburg. The event will honor Gonzalez, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War.

Later that day, at 1 p.m., Sailors will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Petty Officer Jose Saenz Memorial Light Post in Edinburg. The ceremony is intended to recognize local military service and sacrifice as part of the Navy Week observances.

Navy Week proclamation and public performances

Edinburg officials are scheduled to issue an official Navy Week proclamation during a public event at the Edinburg ACE Center on Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. The proclamation will be accompanied by appearances from Sailors and members of the Navy Ceremonial Guard.

Additional Navy-related performances will take place in Edinburg throughout the week, including a ceremonial guard appearance during a University of Texas Rio Grande Valley women’s basketball game on Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. Navy outreach activities, including educational and youth-focused programs, are also planned at local venues.

Community engagement and education

Edinburg residents will also see Sailors participating in educational outreach and community engagement activities during Navy Week, including STEM-focused events and public appearances designed to introduce residents to naval careers and missions.

Sailors from USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), named in honor of Sgt. Gonzalez, are expected to participate prominently in Edinburg events, underscoring the city’s historical ties to the Navy.

About Navy Week

Navy Week is a national outreach program aimed at connecting the Navy with communities that do not have a significant naval presence. The program has visited more than 100 U.S. markets since its launch in 2005. The Rio Grande Valley event will be among the first Navy Weeks held in 2026.

Source — U.S. Navy Office of Community Outreach.