Local veterans organizations host Memorial Day ceremonies

The Vietnam Veterans of America Lone Star Chapter 854 and the Lavaca Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6382 conducted Memorial Day ceremonies Monday morning at the Sacred Heart Family Center with retired U.S. Air Force Captain and Lavaca County attorney James Reeves serving as the featured speaker.

Prior to the start of the 19th annual ceremony program, VFW Post 6382 quartermaster, Robert Mertz read the names of the Lavaca County veterans who were killed in action while fighting in wars involving the United States.

Lavaca County armed forces members who gave the ultimate sacrifice included 192 with 62 from World War I, 113 from World War II, 10 from the Korean War, 6 from the Viet Nam War and one from the War on Terrorism.

The program was emceed by VVA Post 854 president Earl Cummings, with Lt. Col. USAF (retired) and Calvary Baptist Church of Weimar pastor Jerry Tanner conducting the opening prayer.

Steven Drozd, VFW Post 6382 trustee, led the Pledge of Allegiance with VVA Post 854 member David Smolik leading the singing of the National Anthem.

“ Memorial Day is a solemn occasion, it is a time to reflect on the profound debt that we owe to those who have given their lives so we might live in freedom,” Reeves said. “It is the day that transcends the routines of our daily lives, calling us to pause and pay tribute to the heroes who have laid down their lives for the cause of Liberty.”

Reeves said Memorial Day always reminds him of a famous quote from John Stuart Mill that he was required to memorize when he first entered the military.

“Thirty-six years later it still makes me tear up. The history of Memorial Day dates back to the aftermath of the Civil War, a conflict that tore our nation apart, but also laid the groundwork for our healing,” Reeves said. “Originally known as Decoration Day, this day was established as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Over time, Memorial Day has evolved to honor all Americans who have died in military service since the American Revolution.”

Reeves said those who have died in service came from every corner of the nation, from different walks of life, who were united by one common purpose to defend the freedoms and values that they held dear.

Reeves said it is the duty of all Americans that we never forget and that their stories continue to be told.

“Each grave we see in our national cemeteries, each name etched in stone across the country tells a story of sacrifice,” Reeves said. “These are not just names, dates and ranks. They represent sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, who answered the call to serve and their sacrifices remind us that freedom is not free. It is paid for by the blood, sweat, tears and lives our service men and women.”

Reeves said on Memorial Day we also honor the families of those fallen heroes who have endured the pain of losing a family member.

“We owe you a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid,” Reeves said. “But please know that your loved ones sacrifices are forever etched in our annuals of history.”

Reeves said as Americans reflect on the sacrifices of the fallen and we should recommit ourselves to the values that were fought to protect freedom, justice and democracy.

“Memorial Day is not just a time for remembrance, but also a call to action,” Reeves said. “It is a reminder that freedoms we cherish must be defended, and that each of us has a role to play in safeguarding our nation, whether through service in the military, community involvement, or simply being a good citizen. We all can contribute to the strength of resilience in our country.”

In closing, Reeves paraphrased the famous Hall of Fame baseball player and sailor and marine Ted Williams once said, ‘The real heroes are the ones who didn’t come back.’

The closing prayer was conducted by Tanner and was followed by color guard members of VFW Post 6382 and VVA Chapter 854, who conducted a 21-gun salute as well as the playing of TAPS.

The laying of wreaths were taken to the Lavaca County Memorial on the courthouse square.