Coastal Bend Texas State Veterans Cemetery will honor heroes on Memorial Day

Keeping with the true meaning of the holiday, the Coastal Bend Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Corpus Christi will host a Memorial Day program from 1 to 2 p.m. on Monday, May 26.

The event, open to the public, is expected to feature several veterans organizations from the area and elected officials.

“We invite the public to attend this memorial tribute to our fallen heroes,” said Bill McLemore, Deputy Commissioner for the Texas Veterans Land Board, which oversees the Texas State Veterans Cemeteries. “It’s the least we can do for those who gave of themselves to preserve the freedoms we enjoy.”

This Memorial Day ceremony is sponsored by the Veterans Band of Corpus Christi, Texas. Speakers will include, retired Navy captain Dr. Ernest Philips, Director of the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery, Jose Armijo, and County Judge Loyd Neal a retired Army colonel.

Among those assisting this year’s program are, Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts 2397, 3837 and 8932, the Corpus Christi Mayor’s Committee for Veterans Affairs, Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 598, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 910, American Legion Posts 28 and 365, Disabled American Veterans Post 150, USMC League Coastal Bend Chapter, Catholic War Veterans, Patriot Guard Riders and Combat Motorcycle Veterans.

Wreaths will be laid on the graves. A reception will follow the ceremony at VFW Post 3837, 12030 Leopard Street, in Corpus Christi.

The Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery in Corpus Christi, located on the southeast corner of Carbon Plant Road and IH-37, is one of four Texas State Veterans Cemeteries operated by the Texas VLB. For more information call 1-800-252-VETS (8387) or visit www.texasveterans.com.