KILLEEN, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott and City officials from Killeen and Harker Heights joined over 300 people from across the area at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery on Monday, May 27 to honor those who gave their lives in service to their country on Memorial Day.
At the resting place for hundreds of military service men and women, the ceremony was held by the Area Veterans Advisory Committee.
On the hallowed grounds, Abbott reminded the crowd, "May we never forget the price they paid, so that we can be free."
"In times of war and in times of peace, heroes among us have stepped forward and put on the uniform of the United States Armed Forces and have made extraordinary sacrifices to protect us from all that threatens our great nation," Abbott said in his remarks.
Abbott emphasized that honoring and remembering veterans should be a practice "not just on Memorial Day, but every day" and called for a revamped dedication to caring for military families, a focus on veteran reintegration into society following their military service and ensuring veterans receive top-notch healthcare and career resources throughout Texas.
Abbott was joined by General Land Office Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, Killeen Mayor Debbie Nash-King, Harker Heights Mayor Michael Blomquist, other state and military officials and local veterans.
"Let us also extend our deepest gratitude to the families that have been left behind," Nash-King said. "Their sacrifice is immeasurable, their resiliency is unparalleled. They too bare the burden of service."
The event featured a laying of wreaths by Central Texas veterans organizations, a list that was read aloud of servicemembers killed in action, a 21-gun salute and the customary playing of Taps.
Arsenio LaBoy, a Vietnam War veteran and founding member of the veteran support group Bring Everyone in the Zone, said the day and his organization underscore the importance of supporting veterans in all aspects of life.
"As a soldier, everything is up here," LaBoy said, pointing at his head. "It's like a camera, everything comes back in certain facets and we don't know when and we don't know where (it's going to happen)."
LaBoy said wearing a military uniform removes all differences of race, creed and walks of life.
"Once you're in combat, it's all for one and one for all," LaBoy said. "When the bullets fly."
Following the event, several families and fellow service members took time to walk around the cemetery and pay respects to those who have been laid to rest.
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