Parade honors nation’s soldiers at Texas Capitol

Silver dog tags draped over soldier’s boots rested in front of an M-16 rifle stuck into a sandbag and topped with a camouflage helmet. The combat cross marked a casket-sized white box commemorating fallen soldiers Wednesday morning at the Texas Capitol for the 56th annual program celebrating Veterans Day.

Wednesday morning’s event, recognizing former and active members of the U.S. Armed Forces, began with a parade down Congress in which a number of military-affiliated organizations and supporters participated.

Fred Morse, a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans who carried a Confederate flag in the parade, said fellow members noticed solemn salutes from observers as the parade passed due to last week’s shooting at Fort Hood.

“We didn’t have a really good turn-out,” Morse said regarding members of his organization. “It’s a shame because it was a bigger crowd than we’ve seen in the past.”

The Del Valle High School Band, which opened the ceremony at the Capitol following the parade, sat on the platform at the top of the steps. Next to the band, sat veterans, politicians and city officials, including U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett and state Rep. Dawnna Dukes.

Following the band’s introduction, Olie Pope Jr., an officer of the Travis County Veterans Service, welcomed the diverse crowd of children, veterans and supporters.

The Pledge of Allegiance was then led by the second-and third-place winners of a Veterans Day grade-school essay contest, which was followed by an unusual musical performance of the national anthem.

Faint singing accompanied Staff Sgt. Morris Hickman, a Vietnam veteran and member of the Texas State Guard, as he played a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” on harmonica. Outfitted in his military-issued dress clothing and beret, Hickman methodically shook his right hand as he blew into the small instrument, adding vibrato to the harmonica’s familiar tune.

“We honor all the people that have served us and honor all the young men and women serving today,” Hickman said, explaining the importance of the sacrifices that are made.

“When we sign that document, we are giving it all.”

Annette Malaski, a former Air Force civil engineer who served during peacetime, said everyone who has given their time and their life to serving the U.S. deserves appreciation.

“Whether they served in peacetime or [during war], everyone gave a part of their lives that they will never get back,” Malaski said. “It’s unfortunate that there has to be a wartime for Americans to remember the gifts they have been given. Military branches have always been there to help out.”

Nearing the end of the ceremony, veteran organizations were called forward one by one to set their wreaths next to the combat cross commemorating those who have served and died in the line of duty. The bell tolled and the crowd was still as veterans and their families slowly marched toward the cross, where they laid their wreaths and gave long salutes to the symbolic grave.

Once every wreath was set, a line of soldiers gave a rifle salute and a lone Del Valle High School bugler played taps from atop the Capitol steps.

Comments

1 comments

Veteran's Day

Fri Nov 13 2009 14:52

The real Veterans who have served their country get high salutes.

Not a single one of the warmongers Bush (dropped out), Cheney (the 5 time draft dodger),, Rumsfeld (pencil pusher), or Perry (cheerleader who's angry at the US which borders anti american madness) have laid their lives down for patriotic service in the military. They'd preferr to make millionaires of the contractors than making sure the servicemen are provided for after serving their country.

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