Memorial Day is a day about gratitude and remembrance, not just about a day off. It is to remember those men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
In honor of those men and women who lost their lives serving this nation, Fred Brock American Legion Post No. 828 held its annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Post’s event center.
The keynote speaker was former USS San Antonio (LPD-17) Executive Officer Cmdr. Stacey L. O’Neal, the new commanding officer of Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) San Antonio.
(LPD-17) Executive Officer Cmdr. Stacey L. O’Neal, commanding officer of Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) San Antonio. (Photo by Allen Cordova)
“Fred Brock Post No. 828 has a long standing history of supporting veterans though important programs and resources. They have an established platform for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to live on, and for their stories to be shared and legacies to be continued,” said O’Neal, a native of Greenville, Miss. “There is a power in sharing your story, there is healing in telling your story, not only for those who love us to better understand who we are and how we came to be, but for your legacy to remain long on the earth long after we are gone.”
Other dignitaries in attendance included District 2 City Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, former District 2 City Councilman and Legionnaire Keith Toney, and Legionnaire Navy Capt. Kenny Smith, commanding officer of Navy Information Operations Command Texas.
During the ceremony, Post Commander Burrell Parmer read the names of the Legionnaires who entered Post Everlasting: James Campbell, Johnie Hubert, Edward James, Nathaniel Sanders, and Calvin Young.
“Many gave their lives to ensure we can sustain the principles of justice, freedom and democracy,” said Parmer, who serves as the District 2 representative on the city’s Veterans Advisory Commission. “Our grandfathers, fathers, grandmothers, mothers, daughters and sons paid this price for us. On this Memorial Day, let’s plan to begin to return to some normalcy for the American Legion Family and honor our fallen accordingly.”
Towards the ceremony’s conclusion, the Post Family gathered in front of the Veteran Wall of Honor to hear the Memorial Day Proclamation, the presentation of a wreath, and the playing of Taps.
Afterwards, all were invited to burger and hotdog luncheon sponsored by H-E-B. Later that evening, members and guests were entertained with a live performance by local Old School R&B group NCS.
