Fallen Soldiers Remembered

Updated: June 3, 2013

Army Infantryman of Ft. Hood James Counelis salutes to the flag during the ceremony. Photo: Mary Beth Wright/LFN

The sunny skies gave way to large non-threatening cloud cover for the Memorial Day Ceremony held at 11 a.m. on the lawn of the American Legion Post #439 in La Feria last Monday.

The service began with the National Anthem, sung by Vietnam Veteran Art Zuniga followed by Taps, played by Ignacio Garcia. The audience joined in the Pledge of Allegiance led by Santos Guzman. Army Infantry soldier James Counelis raised the flag to half-staff in recognition of Veterans who lost their lives to secure our freedom.

As area Veterans representing World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan Post Chaplain Nacho Garcia read off the names of the 47 fallen Valley soldiers of the current conflict.

Addressing the nice size group, La Feria Mayor Pro-Tem Lori Weaver said, “Memorial Day is a special day for Americans. It is an important day. It is one day each year that we pause from our busy lives to remember and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. To those who have lost their lives in the cause of freedom. The bitter lesson of history is that freedom is never guaranteed. There has always been someone quite willing to take what our constitution recognizes as the inalienable right of all people. It is only those great and noble souls who have been our guarantors of freedom; those who we have come here today to honor. There may be a time in the future when men and women will not have to make great sacrifices to stand against tyranny and injustice. But, until that day comes, I thank God those whom are willing to serve are among us today. History shows us that civilization does not thrive without freedom; and freedom does not survive without those willing to sacrifice for it.”

World War II Veteran A. Gilbert Rios attended the Memorial Day Ceremony. Photo: Mary Beth Wright/LFN.

The ceremony was closed with a rendition of God Bless America and Chaplain Guzman closed with a prayer.
Post Commander Edward Counelis announced that Commander Harlan Lucas had donated $1000 to the Wounded Warrior Project Fund supported also by Herry and Karen Stickland. The audience was invited to a brisket dinner prepared by Dan and Debbie Crow, Hope Flores and Patty Hoffman.