Has anyone noticed how hot it is outside? With the current temperatures hitting close to or above 100 degrees almost every day, one would think we’re in the middle of summer, although it doesn’t technically begin until June 21.
School is finally out and we’ve celebrated graduation and wish the best to all those amazing kids as they go out toward an exciting future, always keeping a bit of Boerne in their hearts. Some of those graduates will be joining the military, and we wish them equal success and prayer for safe journeys. I thought of them recently as I was honored to be at one of the Memorial Day ceremonies that took place at Veteran’s Plaza.
Boerne is fortunate to have such a wonderful memorial to our fallen military. It’s a place to reflect, give thanks and pay respect to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
In case you didn’t know, Veteran’s Plaza has been in existence for 99 years! It was started by the Graham family in 1923 as a tribute to those who lost their lives during the World War I conflict. At that time, it was named Military Plaza.
The Graham family erected the original monument which has the names of all those from Kendall County who served in the military and died during the World War I conflict. The population of Boerne at that time was approximately 1,100 people.
Over the years, the plaza has been updated to include a bronze sculpture on top of the monument honoring veterans. Plaques have been added to honor and recognize those killed in combat during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. In 2014, additional plaques were added to recognize those killed in combat during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Also in 2014, the Walk of Honor was added, which is made up of pavers that have the names of family or friends who served or are currently serving.
Over time, the plaza was renamed to Veteran’s Plaza, as we know it today.
This past month, the Walk of Honor has been lined with six brand new, beautiful flag poles that have flags for each branch of service in the military: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy and Space Force. Those flag poles were the direct result of an amazing group of people from Taskforce VOSBO (Veteran Owned Small Business Organization). This organization is from the broad Hill Country area, and they worked tirelessly to raise the funds to make such a special improvement to the plaza, forever remembering our fallen military family and friends.
It was an honor to be at this event to officially dedicate the flags, and I am very grateful to Taskforce VOSBO for making it happen. You can find out more about them on Facebook by searching for “Taskforce VOSBO.”
I am thankful for our community and all those in it who continue to strive to make it better and better, while not forgetting who we are at our core. It is groups like Taskforce VOSBO who work together to make our city even more beautiful and meaningful. Their commitment and resolve to come up with an idea and then take the steps to make it come to fruition is what Boerne, and the Hill Country, is all about.
Take pride in your community and find ways to make it better. Respect the past, cherish the present and have commitment to our bright future. And never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who fought and died so that we may live in this great land.
Next time you’re downtown, take a moment to walk through Veterans Plaza, reflect and give thanks.
Bis zum nächsten mal (Until next time).
Comment
Comments