Local Groups Honor Fallen Veterans at 2022 Annual Wreaths Across America
By Tom Jackson, Former Texas SAR President
The annual Wreaths Across America veterans’ recognition was held December 17, 2023, at 11:00 am at Woodlawn Funeral Home & Garden of Memories in their section known as Little Arlington. Shawn Randall, Woodlawn Outreach Coordinator, began by giving thanks and asking the over 300 attendees to join him in a moment of silence to remember the fallen, prisoners of war, those missing in action and to honor those who have served and are serving in the armed services.
Presenting the colors were members of VFW Post 8790 Color Guard. Escorting the public to lay the wreaths at the tombstones of veterans were Kempner High School's Air Force JROTC Unit TX-924, led by Chief Master Sergeant Lionel Jackson and Major Adam Chmura. Lineage societies were present, as well. Tom Jackson, CFISD Board President, representing the Sons of the American Revolution (Robert Rankin Chapter) spoke of freedoms and rights we as a society enjoy and the price paid by those who make those freedoms and rights possible, while Virginia Evans of the Tejas Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution gave the pledge.
Christine Herron of the DAR Lady Washington Chapter continued the remarks of Mr. Jackson by stating, "Today, we show a united front of gratitude and respect across the United States of America as we remember the Fallen, honor those who serve their families, and teach the next generation the value of freedom."
The motto of WAA is Remember, Honor, Teach. Parents and children of the James Bates Society of the Children of the American Revolution were present as well as troop leaders and scouts from Scout Troop 922. Although numerous groups and individuals contributed to the 743 wreaths which were presented, special recognition goes to members of Diamonds & Dollars and Energy Transfer. The Woodlawn Garden of Memories is included in the National Register of Historic Places. NRHP lists Dionicio Rodriguez as the cemetery's architect.
Photo Credit: Tom Jackson (L to R: Tom Jackson CFISD Board President and SAR Robert Rankin Chapter member with Virginia Evans DAR Tejas Chapter)
