“When you see a flower bloom, let it be a gentle reminder that love never leaves us…” — Ben Graham, Boy Scout Troop 87
The Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center quickly filled up on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, with families, veterans and supporters of veterans to pay respects to living warriors and those who gave their lives.
After the invocation, presentation of colors, national anthem, pledge of allegiance and a dramatic flyover by Kurt Landis, Panhandle Warbird Flight, Doug Messer, TPWMC Board President gave the welcome and explained the different respects being paid to the Gold Star families, White Star families and Blue Star families.
The Presentation of Colors was proided by Captock High School Marine Corps JROTC.
Gold Star families are those who have a relative who died in battle or active service, and White Star families are those who have lost a loved one who took their life during active combat service or post combat service due to the effects of combat, Messer explained.
Blue Star families are those with of a service member currently in active military duty.
Families were honored with either a yellow rose, white or blue flower depending on the situation. Messer also gave a recognition of 13 U.S. soldiers lost in the ongoing conflict in Iran.
Scout shares about new garden memorials
After the ceremony, an Eagle Scout candidate, Ben Graham, of Troop 87, was welcomed to the stage. Graham had been part of a group who made the newest Gold and White Star garden memorials for veterans and their families.
Graham said he wanted the garden to be a place for people to come to remember, reflect and honor those who have made sacrifices to our country.
“I encourage each of you to visit often and let the beauty here remind you of the beauty and the lives that we honor,” Graham said. “When you see a flower bloom, let it be a gentle reminder that love never leaves us. The project I have made cannot have been possible without the health and support of so many amazing people.”
Graham introduced several key people, including those who donated the concrete for the border of the rose garden and those who donated to the project with materials and money.
“From planning and construction to landscaping and cleanup, your donations meant a lot to me and I couldn’t have done this without you,” he said.
“Completing this project has meant a lot to me, and I hope this garden will continue to honor military families and provide comfort and peace to everyone who visits for years to come,” he said.
“And so, ingrained in our hearts, we dedicate this gold star and white star memorial,” Graham said. “May if be a place for comfort for the weary, a place of joy for remembering and a place of peace for all the winter.”
Tim Reid, executive director of the TPWMC, gave an update on the Education Center and reminded the crowd of what Memorial Day stood for.
Sherry Sanders, Senior Chief of the U.S. Navy, reminded people who suffered the loss of a loved one that they weren’t alone and urged them to reach out to each other.
“America the Beautiful” was sung by Sarah Burke, and “Amazing Grace” was performed by Adam Wilcox with the Amarillo Fire Department. Taps was presented by Volley for Veterans, followed by the ceremony’s conclusion from Gene Messer.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Families honor heroes on Memorial Day at Texas Panhandle center
Reporting by Nell Williams, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
