Bastrop honors veterans with 15th annual classic car show
Elgin resident Matthew Callahan is so fond of his 1967 Volkswagen Beetle that he gave it a buddy-name.
“I’ve had David for 30 years. He’s almost more a pet than a car. David sat in a field for 30 years before I rescued him,” said Callahan, as he stood next to his sunroof-model Beetle during Bastrop’s 15th annual Heroes & Hotrods Veterans Weekend Car Show on Saturday.
Callahan said his love of tinkering with Volkswagens led to his working for his dad in a Volkswagen repair shop after he attended high school. Callahan said his ‘67 Beetle has a little more meat in its engine than the standard models of the Sixties.
“It’s a 1,641-cubic-centimeter engine with bigger pistons and camshaft than most Beetles,” Callahan said.
Callahan had lifted the front hood of his trunk — the Volkswagen was a rear-engine designed car — to reveal that he is always well prepared for the road. His trunk contained a hefty set of tools, a “How to Keep Your VW Alive” manual and a first aid kit. “You have to be ready,” Callahan said.
Members of several Texas car clubs who ventured to the annual Bastrop car show, which is organized by the Bastrop Area Cruisers car club, said they were impressed by the amount and variety of entries.
“It’s my first time here. We go to a lot of car shows,” said Danny Orourke, with the Texas Bowties Car Club of San Antonio. “This is a big one and it’s awesome — we’ll be back.”
At mid-morning the packed Main Street gathering quickly parted to make way for the annual veterans march, led by the Bastrop High School Naval ROTC color guard and cadet corps. The crowd cheered as the procession made its way to the Bastrop County Courthouse grounds for a veterans recognition and awards ceremony.
Part of the ceremony included the presentations of the Officer Veteran of the Year award to retired Air Force Col. Richard Hutchins, and the Enlisted Veteran of the Year award to Dianna Greenwood, a noncommissioned officer who was honorably discharged from the Marines.
The tribute ceremony was capped off by the solemn playing of “Taps” by Bastrop High School junior Adrian Dugger, as retired Naval Chief Petty Officer David Canales, who serves as Bastrop High School’s ROTC commander, proudly looked on.
“The cadets feel privileged to be here and be part of this ceremony to support the military veterans of Bastrop County,” Canales said.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct Dianna Greenwood's award and service.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Veterans Day: Bastrop, TX hosts 15th annual classic car show for vets
