“It was years in the making and one of my dreams,” said Roberto Lewis, President of Panama Texas Connection Foundation, aka PanTex. “Our group intends to honor specifically Latin American veterans who fought for this country, as well as to highlight the cultures they brought. It is important in these times when some forces are trying to deny the contributions of many for the success of this country.”
Last year, while successful, was less than optimum for PanTex. Due to visa and financial issues in Panama, the “Bomberos de Colon,” the firefighters from the City of Colon, Panama, were unable to attend in full. A few Panamanian officers participated in the Veterans Day Parade alongside our Latin American veterans in Houston. The 2024 dinner/gala and picnic were a success, but PanTex knew that one of the “stars” of the veterans’ weekend was missing.
It came full circle this November 2025. The Veterans Weekend evolved into a 4-day event filled with various activities from Saturday to Tuesday. Saturday evening was the gala. Sunday was a picnic at the park all day. Monday was an intimate award ceremony and dinner for the Panamanian band that visited from Panama. Tuesday was a day of participation in the Veterans’ Day parade.
The “Bomberos de Colon” band and color guard landed in the United States on Saturday, just in time to clean up and attend the PanTex Gala. The gala began with a prayer and the playing of the United States National Anthem. The recognition of our veteran heroes and first responders followed this.
Dinner followed. It consisted of various courses reminiscent of the food served in Panama and the Caribbean, including Arroz con Pollo, Jerk Chicken, Arroz con Coco, Saus, Tamales, and Ceviche, among many others.
During dinner, the program showcased a diverse range of musical talents, including classic DJs, reggaeton, and salsa, as well as dancers from various cultural backgrounds in Panama. All the way from New York City, we had the King of Urban Caribbean Music, Orquesta Mi Rumba,
Several cultural talents continue a night of entertainment second to none. The Congo special dance, all the way from the Republic of Panama, with their own PanTex to the Future, featuring Okianis Naomis Semis, in collaboration with PanTex to the Future, Houston’s Kevin Antonio Zurita. Panama Cultural Expressions Group from Killeen, Texas, danced La Cachimba de Portobelo, featuring dancers Yira Barron and Christopher Dean. The Panama Lo Nuestro Group from San Antonio, Texas, danced El Punto featuring dancers Yara Shannon and Alex Bayle.
During the gala, Julieta Arosemana, Representative of the Panamanian Council, spoke, acknowledging PanTex’s achievement in preparing the cultural event honoring veterans and promoting Panamanian culture. She presented pins of recognition to some on the PanTex board.
The night continued with dancing and intermittent breaks to present awards to veterans and first responders. And of course, PanTex’s customary raffle provided a few gifts. The “Reyna del Carnaval de San Antonio,” the San Antonio Carnaval Queen, made her presence on stage with her stunning cultural display.
The Panamanian marching band and color guard, the “El benemérito Cuerpo de Bomberos de Panamá Regional de Colón,” entertained the audience with their “dianas,” aka bugle calls, drumming, and marching.
PanTex ensured that less than 10 hours after the gala, George Bush Park on the West Side of Houston would be prepped and ready for the PanTex picnic. Registered vendors, games, were all ready by Noon on Sunday.
The vendors brought Panama to Houston. One could find a large part of the cuisine, including harina, bofe, chorizo, tamales, arroz con coco, bacalao, saus, and so much more. And washing all of that down with sorrel completed the temporary virtual visit to the isthmus.
DJ Michael provided most of the music. But near the end, DJ Kali Toka’s performance could not be denied as he had the crowd in the palm of his hands with every vibe.
Monday was a laid-back day, primarily dedicated to the “Cuerpo de Bomberos,” the fire department personnel visiting from Panama. PanTex provided a program that included a dinner and an award ceremony to show its deep appreciation for the group’s visit.
Tuesday was the big day. The “Cuerpo de Bomberos” were in their uniforms, the sharpest in the entire parade. True to form, their marching was crisp and orderly. Their color guard brought cheers from the spectators.
As the marching band color guard and PanTex directors proceeded behind our veteran heroes, the announcers were shocked not only by the size of the Panamanian delegation but also by their performance. They marched, they played their music, and to the shock of many, they sang. In many areas along the route, many were shocked to see upright xylophones.
