Memorial Day service at the State Cemetery
For the first time in the 35-year history of the Memorial Day service at the State Cemetery, a woman was the keynote speaker. She served our country for 21 years and lives in Lampasas.
Despite the rainfall, the Memorial Day service at the state cemetery marched on. Those in attendance gathered inside of the museum to remember the fallen.
"Remembering those who passed is only half the task that is before us today. We must carry their love, their honor, and their duty forward to the future generations that past. Our children must know who they are and why they did it,” said Max Miller.
Keynote speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Alanna Cook, retired, of Lampasas, shared two stories of those who died in battle. One was a 20 year old whose convoy was attacked in a supply mission during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"He wasn't a professional soldier like me. He was just someone who heard the call after 9-11 and signed up to do his part. He put aside his college education and he joined his neighbors in preserving our freedoms. To me that's the ultimate inspiration,” said Cook.
By the end of the memorial service, the sun shone down on the cemetery where children placed flags on soldiers' graves.
Sons of the American Revolution displayed a tribute to their relatives in the form of a gunfire salute.
It was a somber visit for Daniel Groh, a rifleman who served one tour in Afghanistan and another in Kuwait.
"I saw one of my buddies get shot in the eye and I saw another one of my buddies get shot in the arm and leg,” said Groh. "Just wanted to pay my dues. It's about those who aren't here anymore."
Jennifer Nuckels and her husband made a point to bring their boys.
"It's very important, sorry, that our kids know the people who lost their lives protecting all of our freedoms. I wanted them to come be a part of this and know it's not just a day off. It's a day to really stop and think about those who gave their life so we can do whatever we want, barbecue, beach, but on a different day. Today is a day to remember who died for us,” said Nuckels.