Local groups invite to lay wreaths,
Anyone who would like to give thanks for the freedoms they enjoy and pay their respect to all local and any other U.S. Armed Forces veterans who gave their lives in service to our great nation is invited to gather on Monday morning, May 25, at the Kerr County Memorial Day Program.
The 10 a.m. event, which will last about an hour, will be at the granite war memorial on the Kerr County Courthouse grounds, located at 700 Main Street in Kerrville.
“Every year, this program offers the perfect opportunity for our community to gather together for this heartwarming experience - as we collectively show our gratitude for American service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our beautiful way of life,” said Kerr County Veterans Service Officer Jenna Sanchez, who organizes the annual event.
“Each year, we try to build on the previous positive experience. And, we’re encouraged by our community’s feedback.
Wreath laying tribute
“Each year, one of the most moving parts of this program is seeing all the various groups in our community come together to pay tribute to our fallen heroes by laying wreaths – decorated in patriotic reds, whites and blues --at the base of our county’s war memorial,” Sanchez said.
“We welcome local clubs, civic organizations and any others who want to pay their respects in this way to please feel welcome to join in this tradition,” she added.
The only requirements are to bring an appropriately-decorated wreath and a metal stand for it to sit on in front of the memorial. On-site registration is mandatory in the hour prior to the start of the 10 a.m. program.
“When the last wreath is laid and you can stand back and take it all it – it makes for a very impressive display reflecting our community’s patriotism and our loyalty to this nation and its heroes. We remember their sacrifices and they are not forgotten,” Sanchez said.
Featured speaker
Giving the keynote address this year will be Gary Noller, a Vietnam War veteran, current president of the Kerr County Veterans Services Advisory Council and a member of the Hill Country Veterans Council.
A native of Dodge City, Kansas, Noller relocated to Kerr County in 2002 and has been active in supporting the local veteran community ever since.
At an early age, he worked along with his five siblings in their parents’ neighborhood grocery store. He completed college in May 1969 and entered the U.S. Army just four months later in September 1969. He served for 19 months, including 11 months as an infantryman in the Vietnam War.
Through the years, he worked for 4 years as a high school math and science teacher, 25 years as an operations manager in petroleum manufacturing, 6 years in construction management of industrial plants and 5 years as an employment counselor with the Texas Veterans Commission.
His daughter, Aimee, is a foreign service officer with the U.S. government.
Noller, who enjoys taking care of 12 acres of Hill Country, is a frequent local newspaper columnist who focuses on important veterans’ issues.
Program, Seating, Parking, etc.
This year’s program will follow a similar pattern to those hosted by the county in previous years. There will be welcoming remarks, a reading of the names of Kerr County’s fallen military service members, gunshot volleys, a reverent playing of “Taps” and more.
Limited seating will be available during the program. Attendees are invited to bring their own chairs. There will be a few tents for shade and a limited supply of bottled water provided free of charge.
A new parking plan was introduced a couple of years ago and it has worked out well, so organizers said they expect to follow the same plan for this year’s event. The complete program and a map of the traffic flow and event parking will be available for viewing once published on the Kerr County Veterans Service Office page on the county’s website: www.kerrcountytx.gov.
Not a fundraiser
“We frequently get asked how people can donate. Well, the Kerr County Memorial Day program is not a fundraising event, because we do not feel that aligns with the meaning of the occasion. So, we will not be taking up collections or accepting donations during the program,” Sanchez explained.
But, because many people would like to contribute to the success of future programs, they may do so by mailing checks payable to:
Kerr County Veterans Service Office
550 Earl Garrett Street, Suite 107
Kerrville, TX 78028
Note: Please denote “Veterans Programs” in the memo line of the check.
For more information on how to contribute financially or by providing supplies for programs, contact VSO Jenna Sanchez or Chase Allsup at 830-792-2203 or Gary Noller at 830-377-8115.
In the event of inclement weather on event day, the observance will be moved indoors into the Happy State Bank Expo Hall at the Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 TX27 in Kerrville.
Memorial Day (less commonly known as “Decoration Day”) is a federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May each year. In existence since 1868, the day is a designated time to honor all those members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have given their lives while in service to this country. (In contrast, Veterans Day in November honors all those military veterans – deceased or living -- who have served.)