La Feria Honors Fallen on Memorial Day

by Tony Vindell/LFN

While President Donald Trump honored the servicemen and women during a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, a group of people met in a similar fashion at the new Veterans Memorial Monument Park in La Feria.

A flag raising by a group of bikers, a solo performance of Taps using the traditional bugle, singing of the national anthem by Christine Philip, reading of the names of the fallen engraved on the monument facing the town’s main street and 12-gun salute were among a dozen of activities held on Monday, May, 28.

Commander William Bowers, of the American Legion Post 439, said Memorial Day is a day to pay tribute to thosewho are not here or are away from home serving their country.

He and a several dozen people met outside the legion post for a second ceremony that also included a second flag raising from past and current wars, their families and supporters stood by under a blazing sun.

Mark Burris, who sang the anthem for the last four years, thanked everybody for being at the ceremony.

Eric Hoff, mayor pro tem and city commissioner, addressed the crowd on behalf of the city.

He gave credit to a veterans committee that has been instrumental in erecting the monument that has seen its first phase completed.

Lori Weaver, a committee member, said anyone can contribute to the next phase of the project and recommended people interested in supporting their cause to contact the local chamber of commerce.

Before the ceremony outside the legion post was held, the group met earlier at the VMMP to pay tribute to the fallen and to highlight the project’s accomplishments.

Among those listening while holding a U.S. flag was Lorenzo Campos who served in the Korean War for 1 1/2 years.