Thursday's Internet Edition, September 09, 2010.
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| American Legion Post 508 Sergeant at Arms lays a commemorative wreath at the foot of Van Horn’s Veterans Memorial during ceremonies Monday morning. |
- This past Monday was Memorial Day across this great land and observances were held in almost every town. And, Van Horn was no exception.
Van Horn residents turned out, in surprising numbers, to formally dedicate our Veterans Memorial. The culmination of the efforts of the Van Horn Rotary Club, the Van Horn Lions Club, the local American Legion Post and the 4th and 5th grade gifted and talented classes of 2004, the Veterans Memorial was placed in front of the Clark Hotel Historical Museum so that passers by could pause and reflect on those from Van Horn who have served this nation so honorably.
The dedication ceremony and Memorial Day service was led by American Legion Post 508, and it’s Commander, John Clark.
Following presentation of the colors by the American Legion, Clark made a few welcoming remarks before Patti Scott, president of the Van Horn Lions Club recited the poem, “In Flanders Field,” written by John McCrae.
Then Becky Brewster, a Van Horn Rotary Club past president, stepped to the microphone to formally dedicate Van Horn’s Veterans Memorial. In her remarks, Brewster gave immense credit to the organizations and individuals who conceived the idea and followed through to the monument being dedicated today.
Following the Memorial dedication, Mary Lou Snyder recited, “In a Mother’s Eyes, written by songwriter Andrew Dea.
Following John Clark’s Memorial Day address, in which he remembered those who have given their all so that we can enjoy the freedoms we do, Edna Clark and Patti Scott sang “America the Beautiful,” written by Katherine Lee Bates.
Then, the American Legion Post’s Sergeant at Arms laid a memorial wreath at the base of Van Horn Veterans Memorial symbolizing our respect and admiration for the service rendered by those who have fallen.
After hearing “Amazing Grace,” written by John Newton, and sung by Edna Clark, members of the Culberson County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Border Patrol saluted the fallen servicemen with a seven gun salute.
And, wrapping up the special service, George Rangel, band director at Van Horn High School played “Taps,” the 24 note song played at every military funeral service and daily to signal lights out or end of the day on military posts around the world.
It was a solemn service to remind locals of the sacrifice of so many so that we can truly enjoy freedom in Van Horn!
Column One
By Dawn Simpson
I deeply appreciate all who had a hand in the Dedication Ceremony on Monday of our Veterans Memorial. John Clark and the American Legion did a super job in planning the event. John also acted as Master of Ceremonies and the remaining American Legion took part in different ways including the Color Guard and laying of the Memorial Wreath. The Patriot Brigade, by our local motorcycle club, added a special touch with all the American flags. The local Sheriff’s Department added a very special, goose-bumps moment with their 7-gun salute, as did Mr. Rangel in the playing of TAPS and Edna Clark and Patti Scott in singing of America The Beautiful and Amazing Grace. The Lions Club provided refreshments in the Museum.
It was good to see Lisa Morton, as I knew we would. It was Lisa who first had the vision for this monument when she was President of the local Rotary Club. They began the fund raising and it grew from that point until the funds were available for what is a beautiful memorial for all our veterans, both past and present. Just a small way that we can say Thank You as a community to those who serve in our military.
I knew before I ever got there Monday morning that I would not be able to hold back the tears. It started when Larry was in Viet Nam - the tearing up each time I see the raising of our flag, the singing of a beautiful patriotic song, or the repeating of the Pledge of Allegiance. It hits me every time and I just can’t help it. But I won’t make apologies. I love this country, even with all its faults.
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I am so proud of our Track runners who will be competing at the state meet next week. You make us very proud and our best wishes, as well as our prayers for safety as you travel, go with you. Oh, and we are also proud of their coach, Luis Garcia. He must be a little excited as well, along with his guys. And the parents, well they might just be a little proud also!
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More good news about TAKS tests at the Junior High. I’m sorry I did not know this last week, but there was another teacher who’s students had 100% passing. That is Lupe Carrillo, the 8th grade Reading teacher. Every single one of her students passed the TAKS reading test, the first time around and 15 of them received commended status. Way to go! You know we just have a bunch of great kids in junior high. I was reassured of this at the awards presentation on Tuesday. And a lot of great teachers there as well!
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
May 28th - Nothing scheduled at press time.
May 29th - Nothing scheduled at press time.
May 30th - Nothing scheduled at press time.
May 31st - Attend the church of your choice.
June1st - Nothing scheduled at press time.
June 2nd - Eagle Elementary Awards ceremony will be held at Karen Young Memorial Auditorium this morning, with graduation ceremonies set for 2 p.m. Members of the Van Horn Rotary Club are slated to meet today at noon at Chuy’s Restaurant. The Van Horn City Council is scheduled to meet this evening at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
June 3rd - Nothing scheduled at press time.