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Texas members honor veterans despite adverse weather
Houston ceremony held in chapel as heavy rain moves through
December 21, 2007
Capt. Denise Thompson
Public Affairs Officer
Group IV
Texas Wing
TEXAS -- Wreaths Across America is an event that goes on despite rain, sleet, snow or sun -- something brought home Dec. 15 when residents of the Houston area awoke to thunder, lightning, wind and drenching rain, with radar showing a thick band of weather moving through with much cooler temperatures behind it.
The unfavorable conditions prompted Linda Barry of the Houston National Cemetery to suggest using the site's on-site chapel for the Wreaths Across America observation. While small, the chapel is quite is beautiful -- stained-glass windows represent all branches of the military, and beautiful wood and marble are visible throughout the structure. For the ceremony, workers placed extra chairs inside and out.
Despite the dismal weather, close to 100 veterans and family members came to honor the military. Two members of the Patriot Guard stood watch outside the chapel proudly holding the U.S. flag.
Capt. Eric Thompson of the Thunderbird Composite Squadron presided over the ceremony, which began with a minute of silence paying tribute to the nation’s veterans, active duty service members and their families.
State Rep. Rob Eissler, the keynote speaker, gave an inspirational speech calling those in the service America’s true heroes. Texas Wing Chaplain (Lt. Col.) David Northcutt gave the invocation and benediction. The Delta Composite Squadron provided the color guard, posting the U.S. and Texas flags.
Among the dignitaries present were U.S. Rep. Gene Green, representatives from the offices of Reps. Sheila Jackson-Lee, Michael McCaul and Nick Lampson. Gold Star Mothers was represented by Peggy Slay, and Gen. Henry Osterman represented the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.
A special letter from U.S. Sen. John Cornyn was read to those in attendance.
The ceremony ended with a 21-gun salute followed by bugler Danny Stephens' playing of taps. Afterward, Cub Scout Pack 1928 Cubmaster Richard Hixon and two of his Webelos, Jack Hixon and Robbie Swanson, handed out water and cookies after the ceremony.
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