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Cleburne honors local veterans

Cleburne Times-Review - 6/3/2022

Jun. 2—A consistent wind barrage threatened to topple flags and played havoc with items on the ceremonial POW/MIA table fronting the podium Monday morning at the Cleburne Memorial Cemetery.

Undaunted, a crowd of about 50 soldiered on, all present to mark Memorial Day and honor the lives and memories of U.S. Veterans lost during times of conflict through the years.

"I'd rather have wind than rain," Cleburne American Legion Auxiliary member Marty Peters said. "It's a challenge, but a good test of the strength of the American Legion."

Sons of American Legion member Maurice Simpson opened the ceremony with prayer after which members of the Cleburne Fire Department led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Two Cleburne High School students — D.J. Chola, a sophomore, and Alonzo Gonzalez, a senior — were on hand to sing the "The Star Spangled Banner" and perform "Taps," respectively.

"It's wonderful to have young people take part of their day to come out and take part in this ceremony," Peters said.

Cleburne Councilman Derek Weathers, himself a veteran, discussed the purpose of Memorial Day.

"Some of us lost brothers and sisters down range," Weathers said. "And that is why we're here today, to remember their sacrifice. To celebrate what they did for us so we could be here today.

"I know my brothers and sisters that died would want us to celebrate with our families and celebrate their lives and the sacrifices they made for us."

Weathers, referring to Peters, joked that he was sure she was going to shake her head, and true to form she did.

"But I want to personally thank Marty Peters," Weathers said. "I've been on council since 2020, attended plenty of council meetings before that and was on the [Cleburne Planning & Zoning Commission] before as well. Every single event from Memorial Day to Veterans Day Marty has been there religiously taking care of this city and making sure that these events are put on, well run and that our veterans, those with us today and those not, are properly remembered."

Peters balked, and credited such to the efforts of all the members of the Cleburne American Legion family as well as the residents of Cleburne and Johnson County.

Weathers also introduced U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin, referring to him as a champion of veterans and the American people.

"To our veterans here today, thank you for your courage and dedication to put service before self," Williams said.

Although, in the overall, few among us have answered that call to service, Williams said, the American story would be nothing without the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who did.

"On behalf of Texans and a grateful nation," Williams said. "Our thanks will never be enough for your service and sacrifice."

Here and on distant battlefields, Williams added, service men and women have fought to protect and defend America since our country's beginnings.

"Today we pause to honor those who took an oath to support and defend the Constitution against all threats, foreign and domestic, and fulfilled that oath with their last full measure of devotion," Williams said. "I pray that the sacrifices of our military heroes may live on, and their memories will forever be a blessing."

Williams referenced Memorial Day's beginnings, then known as Decoration Day, following the Civil War, and Americans' tradition of honoring veterans in the years since by visiting cemeteries, memorials and attending parades.

"We have carried this tradition forward and it is our duty today to ensure that the next generation never loses sight of the importance of this day," Williams said.

Williams spoke of Texans' rich history of answering the call to military duty and the difference they and all U.S. Service men and women have made.

"America's exceptionalism was built on the foundation of those who put on a uniform and did what was necessary for God and country," Williams said. "Today and everyday we must pay tribute to those who never made their trip home, give thanks for those who did and offer our prayers for those still fighting for our freedom around the world today."

Cleburne American Legion Post 50 member Chuck Roberts joined Williams in placing a wreath at the grave of a veteran.

All of us, Simpson reminded, owe a debt of service to country whether we served in the military or not.

"Jesus died to save our souls," Simpson said. "American soldiers died to save our freedoms. They left us quite a legacy, and we all need to look around and ask, 'What are we doing?'"

Cleburne resident Wilma Reed recalled herself and others cheering on troop-laden trains passing through Cleburne during World War II.

Former American Legion Post 50 President Ronnie Webb stressed that Memorial Day is not a day to seek bargains on new mattresses or cars but rather to remember that the blood shed and sacrifices of veterans through the years and America's many wars paid for our right to live free and enjoy a holiday too many treat as simply the kick off to summer..

"I'd urge you to take time with your family today to think about what this day means," Webb said.

Cleburne ALA President Candy Maples detailed the history, meaning and symbolism of red poppies worn by many on Memorial Day — ALA members distributed poppies, all made by Texas veterans, to attendees — and of ALA's long history of prayer and support of veterans and active military members.

Cleburne SAL Squadron Leader Henry Kulow listed American wars and conflicts through the years and the number of lives lost in each.

"Thank you to each and every one of you who have given me, given us all, the right to stand here today and not in a war zone," Kulow said. "They who have defended our freedom from the very beginning to now."

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(c)2022 the Cleburne Times-Review (Cleburne, Texas)

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