A pair of local military veterans took time on Monday to pause, reflect on and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defending the United States of America.
Retired Col. Greg Maxton and retired Brigadier General Erik Torrey were the featured speakers on Memorial Day at Boerne American Legion Post 313 and Boerne Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 688 ceremonies, respectively. Both saluted those who have died while serving their country and touched on what the holiday means to them.
Maxton, the mayor of Fair Oaks Ranch, addressed the Legion audience at Veterans Plaza and gave the basic reason there is a Memorial Day. As Americans, he said, “we are grateful and patriotic. We recognize those that serve in our military and today those that lost their lives while defending our nation.”
But, Maxton went on by saying the day has a little deeper meaning to him “if you really realize what we are talking about.”
He said the United States is a great country established based on the ideals of freedom and liberty.
“Too many times in our history, we have had to put men and women in harm’s way, risking their lives, to ensure that we are still the land of the free. As a result of these wars and battles, many did not come home alive,” he said.
“I believe Memorial Day is in recognition of all those who sacrificed their lives to make our country what it is today,” Maxton said before going through the list of wars and conflicts in which the U.S. has been involved. “It’s estimated that close to 750,000 lives have been sacrificed in battle in our history while serving our nation.
“These service members gave up everything, the ultimate sacrifice, in service to our country. … They fought for our independence, they fought to protect our borders, they fought to keep our country united. On all occasions, ultimately, they were successful. In my thoughts, I believe we owe these individuals the highest honors for what they gave to our country, and we owe a debt of immense appreciation.”
In conclusion, Maxton said, “What does Memorial Day mean to me? It is a day to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our military and defending this great nation, the United States of America. And more so, is to realize that we would not have the lives we live with today without their loss.
“The highest honor that I can give them is to remember them. I may not know their names or faces, but I will remember what they did for me and that their sacrifice was responsible for the freedoms and liberties I have today.”
The Legion ceremony also included the playing of Taps, prayers, remarks from Commander Don Gray, the reading of the poem “In Flanders Fields” by Betty Moseley Brown and the laying of a Memorial Day wreath to honor Capt. Mark Tyler Voss, who died in 2013 while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom. The Legion post is named in his honor.
Torrey, who moved to Boerne about three years ago, gave a brief history of how Memorial Day was established as a federal holiday, leading up to the main points of the message he delivered at Boerne City Cemetery.
“Over this weekend and today, people throughout our country gather to spread flowers at cemeteries, attend parades, raise and lower the flag to half-staff in town squares and listen to Memorial Day messages just like we are doing right now here in Boerne,” he said. “It continues to be our obligation as citizens to remember the nation's brave men and women who have given up their own futures so that others might have a brighter future of freedom.
“Because of their sacrifice, millions here and around the world enjoy the blessings of freedom and liberty. Wherever these patriots rest, we offer them the respect and gratitude of our grateful nation.”
He continued.
“Most didn’t ask to be called upon to serve or to be sent to fight on distant battlefields. Even so, they rose to the nation’s call because they wanted to show their gratitude to the country that had given them so much. They were just ordinary people who by virtue of their selfless service and sacrifices will forever be remembered as extraordinary heroes. These great Americans are truly the best of all of us, and we owe them a debt of gratitude not only for what they did but what they stood for.”
Torrey then charged those in attendance to do three things.
“First of all, Be a good American citizen. Don’t limit yourself to honoring our fallen only on Memorial Day.
“Secondly, tell the story. Take every opportunity to educate others about the service and sacrifices made by of our fallen heroes and veterans so that younger generations can better understand the true price of freedom.
“Finally, say their names. … After this ceremony I encourage each one of you take a little walk among the grave markers surrounding us. When you find a grave decorated with a flag, stand in front of it and speak the veteran’s name, their birthdate and their date of death. Then take a brief moment to thank that soul for the time between those two dates and for the sacrifices that person, and countless like them, made for you and for our nation. They all deserve to be remembered like this.”
The VFW ceremony also included the playing of Taps and a “Missing Man” flyover.
Comment
Comments