On Saturday, the air was warm, and the sun shone brightly upon the Blanco Historic Cemetery. It was a perfect day to honor veterans with Wreaths Across America.
Mayor Martha Herden acted as master of ceremonies. Due to technical difficulties, the recorded version of the Star-Spangled Banner could not be played, but it did lead to a heart-felt rendition of the national anthem by the crowd gathered which seemed more fitting than any recording could have been.
After a moment of silence to remember the fallen, the prisoners of war and the missing in action, John Wood led attendees in the pledge of allegiance.
Those in attendance included Judge Bret Bray, County Commissioner Tommy Weir, City Council Member Linda Gosnell, and World War II Veteran Paul Gosnell.
Herden gave a moving speech written by Candy Cargill, who headed up the Wreaths Across America project in Blanco, and the speech reminded those in attendance what the brave veterans have done for the country. “We are here today to say thank you, and we are honored to know you,” Cargill’s speech said.
The wreath laying was done in silence except for Herden, who announced who was laying the wreath and what that wreath was in honor of. Gary Wood began in memory of those who served in the United States Army, followed by Richard Rumblin for the United States Marine Corps, J.R. Williams for United States Navy, Bob Eiland for the United States Air Force, Thaddeus Millard for the United States Coast Guard, Troy Bates for the United States Merchant Marines, and Mike Ethridge for the 93,129 United States servicemen from all branches of the service whose last known status was either prisoner of war or missing in action.
These men laid wreaths out in memory of their fellow servicemen that had served side-by-side with them in the darkest of times. Most of us will never know the sacrifices that they gave willingly to protect our families, nation, and way of life. All these men, as well as Herden, were given “Challenge Coins” from Wreaths Across America for serving the country. The “Challenge Coins” were presented to them by Cargill.
Members of the Blanco Boy Scouts and Dripping Springs 4-H placed the wreaths on the graves, which were marked with flags representing the time period during which these brave veterans served.
In looking for the appropriate sites, the Scouts, 4-H, as well as adult volunteers received an incredible history lesson regarding the veterans and Blanco.
The group then proceeded on to McKinney Loop Cemetery, St. Mary’s Cemetery, Twin Sisters’ Cemetery and Mt. Horeb Cemetery to continue honoring local veterans. It was a good day’s work in service of a good cause.
These brave veterans did not make sacrifices so that we would remember them and say, “thank you,” to them. They did it for a country where people still remember how to say, “thank you,” to those who are owed a deep debt of appreciation by a grateful nation.
