Wreath Laying at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery
On Saturday, November 29, 2014 over 6,000 people visited the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery to honor and remember our nation’s military heroes at the annual holiday wreath laying ceremony.
This annual event was organized by the Friends of the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery (FCTSVC) who raised funds throughout the year to purchase 5,300 holiday wreaths. One Christmas wreath was placed on every grave, monument and columbarium for the Veterans and their families who are interred at the cemetery. Volunteers, friends and family members gathered at the cemetery at 10 a.m. for the ceremony and then dispersed to place the wreaths.
The ceremony began with a welcome speech from Hilary Shine, Community Relations Director for the FCTSVC, followed by the 1st Cavalry Division Honor Guard who posted the colors, and the national anthem performed by April Kessler of the First Baptist Church of Killeen. Retired Lt. Gen. Pete Taylor, former Army Commanding General from Fort Hood, was the guest speaker.
“The wreaths we are laying here today represent our commitment as Americans to always remember those who said, ‘Here am I, send me,’” Taylor said. “We also want these holiday wreaths to symbolize our honor for those of a great nation who have served and are serving in the armed forces, and to their families who endure sacrifices every day on our behalf.”
After this solemn address a prayer was offered and the wreaths were blessed.
“This was quite a significant annual event for our Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen,” said Texas Veterans Land Board Chairman Jerry Patterson. “In years past, around 3,500 people have attended. This year, we expected to exceed that number due to the growth of this extraordinary tradition.”
Many thanks go out to the FCTSVC and their volunteers without whom this event would not have been possible. The FCTSVC are a group of people from the Central Texas community who support projects at the cemetery and have been active since the cemetery was opened in 2005. Volunteers from the Patriot Guard Riders motorcycle group and a local Boy Scout troop were also there to lend assistance.
The wreaths will remain at the cemetery until Sunday, January 4, 2015. Volunteers are needed to help pick up the wreaths. To sign up please contact the FCTSVC at fctsvc@wreathsforvets.org or 254–690–4321.
The Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) has four Texas State Veterans Cemeteries across Texas in Abilene, Corpus Christi, Killeen and Mission. These cemeteries are hallowed grounds exclusively for Veterans, their spouses, and dependent children. They are special resting places, close to home, where friends, family and fellow Texans can honor Texas Veterans. For more information please call 1–800–252–8387 or visit TexasVeterans.com.
