Remembering America's Heroes

The Memorial Day Celebration held at the National Museum of the Pacific War made the front page of both the Fredericksburg and Kerrville newspapers.

An audience of around 800 men, women and children enjoyed welcoming remarks by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and a Keynote Speech by Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, a retired Marine who served in Vietnam. Program Director, Helen McDonald, recognized the veterans in attendance, specially recognizing the oldest veteran, Raymond Christensen from Watertown, SD, who was born in 1917! The program concluded with a rifle salute and Echo Taps. Wreaths were laid in honor of multiple ships and individuals. The sense of pride for this great country and those men and women who have served for the freedoms that Americans enjoy was absolutely astounding.

The photo on the front page of the Fredericksburg Standard Radio Post is especially meaningful to those members of our community. Senator Hutchison, Land Commissioner Patterson and Mrs. Lorna Eckhardt laid a wreath for all of those lives that have been lost in the current War on Terrorism. Mrs. Eckhardt is the mother of Staff Sergeant Christopher Staats, a Fredericksburg local who was killed in Afghanistan in October of 2009.

The Kerrville Daily Times front page photo is of veterans standing to be recognized. They are asked to stand by military branch during the playing of the different military songs. Then, later in the program they are asked to stand based on the year they were born, the last person standing is recognized as our oldest audience member.

We are proud to have had such a good turnout. Put us on your calendar for the place to celebrate Memorial Day next year!

Both photos are credited to their respective newspapers.

America's White Table

During patriotic holidays, including Memorial Day, a model of America’s White Table will be set up to honor those men and women who serve(d) in the United States’ Armed Forces. The tradition of placing the table began with a group of Vietnam fighter pilots but has now extended to honor all of those serving this country all around the world. Margot Theis Raven, author of the children’s book, America’s White Table said, “The point is every single day of freedom is brought to you by that person who is not sitting there.”

The small table signifies one lone serviceman’s battle against many. The white cloth honors our comrade’s pure heart for answering his country’s call to duty. The lemon slice and grains of salt represent the captive serviceman’s bitter fate and the tears of his family awaiting his return. A black napkin is placed for the sorrow of captivity. The glass is upside down for the meal that won’t be eaten. The white candle and the red rose represent peace and hope for the serviceman’s return. The empty chair at the table is for the missing serviceman.

“You are not forgotten so long as there is one left in whom your memory remains.”

Monday is Memorial Day. If you are going to be around the Fredericksburg area, join us at 10:00 in the Memorial Courtyard for a Memorial Day Program. The program is free for all who wish to attend.