HOUSTON – Bill Balleza was honored last week by U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX) during a session in Congress. Garcia took the stage and began by recognizing Balleza for his 49 years of service as a pioneer anchor, journalist, and Vietnam war veteran. “Bill has been seen on TV screens across the city for decades, where he reported on thousands of stories,” she said. Rep. Garcia emphasized that he was a common sight at Houston’s Veteran’s Day celebrations and parade every year. He served in the Vietnam War prior to becoming a journalist.

Bill Balleza shared his final thoughts before retirement. He thanked the many people who helped throughout his nearly 40-year career at KPRC 2. To see all of the celebratory coverage, visit the #ThankYouBillBalleza page.

Full Screen 1 / 25Friends, family, and colleagues joined together to celebrate the legacy of KPRC Channel 2 anchor Bill Balleza, who is retiring after 49 years of continuous service. Check out the photos of the celebration here!

HOUSTON – The KPRC family came together on Friday to celebrate longtime anchor Bill Balleza who is retiring after 49 years of service. Close friends, former co-anchors and family celebrated Balleza his journalism career with gifts, videos, barbecue and Whataburger, his favorite restaurant. “A lot has changed since then, technologically," Balleza said as he addressed about 100 people in the KPRC lobby. When I go home and watch, I hope to see the same integrity, and the same standard.”Honoring & wishing the best for Houston & KPRC2 / Click2Houston legend KPRC2 Bill Balleza on his last day at work as he... Posted by KPRC2 Keith Garvin on Friday, January 31, 2020Congratulations on your retirement, KPRC2 Bill Balleza! 49 years in TV news, incredible career Posted by KPRC2 Taniya Wright on Friday, January 31, 2020

For 49-year journalist Bill Balleza, this day is the start of a new chapter: retirement. On Balleza’s final day at the newsdesk, viewers, colleagues and businesses showed an outpouring of support and love for the longtime anchor. NBC News Anchors share farewell wishesMemorial City Honors BallezaFriday evening, Memorial City is honoring Bill Balleza for his 40 years of journalism excellence at KPRC 2. Related: Looking back at Bill Balleza’s decades-long career in journalismBill Balleza DayJanuary 31, 2020, is officially known as ‘Bill Balleza Day.' On Thursday, Mayor Sylvester Turner issued a proclamation honoring Balleza and declared Friday, ‘Bill Balleza Day’ in the city of Houston.

Houston – On Thursday, friends, family and colleagues of longtime anchor, Bill Balleza, gathered together to celebrate a night of goodbyes. After nearly 50 years of being on the airwaves, Balleza was surprised with a few recognitions. At the anchor’s retirement dinner, Mayor Sylvester Turner issued a proclamation honoring Balleza and declared Friday, Jan. 31 as ‘Bill Balleza Day’ in the city of Houston. Mayor Sylvester Turner issues Bill Balleza a proclamation in his honor. (KPRC)That wasn’t the only recognition, the Palm surprised Balleza by adding his caricature to the restaurant’s wall.

Legendary KPRC 2 anchor Bill Balleza enjoys woodworking in his free time. His love for woodworking goes back to his childhood. Balleza has made different wood pieces over the years, but he always gives them away for free. KRPC viewers now get a chance to win one of his rare wood keepsake boxes that are handmade and signed by Balleza. The winners will be announced on Balleza’s last day on-air, Friday.

Have to say this, very easy on the eyes.” -EneidaViewer shares memorable moment on Bill Balleza (KPRC)“I absolutely love KPRC Bill is one of the main reasons why. Enjoy your retirement!” -Stephen F.Viewer shares memorable moment on Bill Balleza (KPRC)“Bill, You have always been our journalistic voice of common sense and reason. !” -Kirk M.“When I learned that Bill Balleza was a Marine and served our country during the Vietnam War, it gives me great admiration for him. Semper Fi Bill.” -Barry D.Viewer shares memorable moment on Bill Balleza (KPRC)“I only watch Bill. -Sis L.Viewer shares memorable moment on Bill Balleza (KPRC)“He will be greatly missed, but he deserves his well-earned retirement.

HOUSTON – After a remarkable 49-year career, legendary KPRC2 anchor, Bill Balleza, is retiring from television. Bill Balleza reporting from The Vatican (KPRC)Balleza is also a craftsman and he shared what he plans to do after his retirement. Journalism is a craft; woodworking is a craft. Bill Balleza's keepsake boxes (KPRC)Balleza’s last newscast is Friday, Jan. 31 at 10 p.m. on KPRC Channel 2. And for a chance to win a handmade wood keepsake box signed by Bill Balleza, click here.

HOUSTON – We’ve got your chance to win a very rare wood keepsake box, handmade and signed by legendary KPRC Channel 2 anchor Bill Balleza! Enter for your chance to win once per day now through Thursday, January 30. Two winners will be selected and contacted on Friday, January 31st in honor of Bill’s last day on-air.

By submitting an entry to this contest, brought to you by KPRC (“Station”), the entrant acknowledges and agrees to all of these official contest rules (“Official Rules”). Failure to comply with these Official Rules or any contest specific rules may result in disqualification from the contest. Each winner will receive a wooden box handmade and signed by legendary KPRC 2 news anchor Bill Balleza. Failure to comply with the Official Rules of the contest may result in an entrant’s disqualification and/or forfeiture of any prize or prizes. By accessing these Official Rules or entering the contest on Click2Houston.com , you are deemed to agree to Click2Houston.com ’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

HOUSTON – Think you are the biggest Bill Balleza fan? See if you can get a perfect score on this Bill Balleza quiz.

HOUSTON – Following an esteemed 49-year career, KPRC 2 anchor Bill Balleza has announced that he will retire from the station in January 2020. In honor of Balleza’s retirement, we are sharing your favorite memories of longtime KPRC 2 anchor Bill Balleza. Share your photos hereHave you taken a photo of Bill or with him at a community event in Houston? You can upload it right here. Share your memories herePost a sentence or two explaining how you will remember Bill’s legacy or share a goodbye message to him.