Memorial Day Ceremonies at Texas State Veterans Homes
Ussery Roan Texas State Veterans Home
The Texas State Veterans Home in Amarillo welcomed a large group of family and friends for a cookout on Memorial Day. Local pilots flew vintage planes in formation and a memorial wreath was presented to honor those residents who were lost since last Memorial Day.
Lamun-Lusk-Sanchez Texas State Veterans Home
On Memorial Day, a ceremony was held by the Young Crossroads Marines at the Texas State Veterans Home in Big Spring. The event began with hamburgers being cooked by a couple of Big Springs local police officers. Music was provided by “DJ by PJ” during the cookout. At noon the Young Crossroads Marines Color Guard presented the Flags, played “TAPS” in honor of those lost, and ended their presentation by cutting the cake with their sabre. Before serving cake, the Young Marines presented each of our Veterans with a service pin and ribbon, thanking them for their service.
Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home
The Memorial Day ceremony at the Texas State Veterans Home in Bonham featured Lt. Col. Buddy Merrick as the guest speaker. Following Lt. Col. Merrick’s speech, the names of the Veterans that had passed away within the past year were read by staff members, and a memorial wreath was presented. Members of the Bonham Police Department and Fire Department posted colors for the ceremony, and Stephen Murden played Taps. Following the ceremony, the residents and visitors enjoyed a BBQ lunch catered by The Bluebonnet Café. North Texas E-news also covered the ceremony and the story may be found here.
Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home
The Texas State Veterans Home in El Paso held a Memorial Day ceremony with speakers including County Commissioner Andrew Haggerty, CEO of Hospice El Paso, Jim Paul, and Col. John Hamilton, Curator of the Fort Bliss Museum.
Frank M. Tejeda Texas State Veterans Home
The Texas State Veterans Home in Floresville held the 4th annual “Basics for the Best” in recognition of Memorial Day. Various motorcycle groups including the Fallen Saints, Green Knights, American Legion Riders, Patriot Guard Riders, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, and Sovereign Billy of Soldiers for Jesus Motorcycle Club made an entrance under the Patriot Guard flag line and circled the building. They “brought the basics,” which included t-shirts, socks, scarves and hats for the Veteran residents. The Memorial Ceremony commenced at 11:00 a.m. and was led by Jason Maupin USA (ret.), followed by the guest speaker, Chris Vieyra, Junior Commander of VFW Post 8397. The ceremony also included the posting of the colors, pledge of allegiance, a prayer, and music by Band of the West. There was a POW/MIA table and all the names of residents who passed in the previous year were read. The event concluded with a BBQ lunch for the residents and their families.
Alfredo Gonzalez Texas State Veterans Home
On Friday, May 26, residents at the Texas State Veterans Home in McAllen were treated to a BBQ and DJ sponsored by the McAllen Lion’s Club. On Memorial Day, Hooters Restaurant treated several of our Veterans to a free lunch.
William R. Courtney Texas State Veterans Home
On Memorial Day residents at the Texas State Veterans Home in Temple were visited by troops from Ft. Hood. The guest speaker was Chief Warrant Officer Otis Kent with 2nd/291st Aviation Regiment.
Watkins-Logan Texas State Veterans Home
A very special Memorial Day ceremony was held at the Texas State Veterans Home in Tyler. The ceremony included a welcome by the home’s administrator, Mark Stevenson, followed by the Presentation of Colors, the National Anthem performed by Lacie Carpenter and Kelsey Pate, and an invocation by Dr. Emmanuel Ward, Chaplain. The home’s Activity Director, Cheri Thomas, presided over the Fallen Comrade Table, while the home’s VLB On-Site Representative, Donna Huffman, read the names of those Veteran residents who passed away over the past year and TAPS was played. The keynote speaker was Major General James K. (Red) Brown, Jr. The ceremony concluded with a moving rendition of God Bless America and the Retiring of the Colors. Special thanks goes to Dickies BBQ for catering the delicious lunch.
There are Texas State Veterans Homes in Amarillo, Big Spring, Bonham, El Paso, Floresville, McAllen, Temple and Tyler. A ninth home is currently being constructed in Houston.
Because the VA subsidizes much of a Veteran’s cost to stay at a VLB Texas State Veterans Home, daily out-of-pocket rates are well below average and include the cost of medications for Veterans. Residents can choose between a spacious private or semi-private room based upon availability. Alzheimer’s units at each home provide highly specialized care, including beautifully landscaped, secure courtyards. Like all VLB programs, the Texas State Veterans Homes are self-supporting and cost Texas taxpayers virtually nothing.
For additional information on VLB Texas State Veterans Homes and Cemeteries, and land, home and home improvement loans, call 1–800–252-VETS (8387), or visit TexasVeterans.com. Follow the Texas Veterans Land Board on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
