Memorial Day Program Held to Honor the Fallen Heroes

Updated: June 6, 2024

By Mike Villarreal

LFN

On Monday, May 27, 2024, the La Feria Veterans Memorial Monument Project Committee held its annual Memorial Day Program at the La Feria Veterans Memorial Monument at 9:00 a.m. This year’s event had a great turnout, with the community coming out to honor our National Heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Starting with a 9:00 a.m. opening with the La Feria Veterans Memorial Committee President, John Hernandez, and a welcome speech by La Feria Mayor Olga Maldonado. It was followed by the Master of Ceremony, Deacon Jose G. Gonzalez from St. Frances Xavier Catholic Church. We then had the flag raised by the members of the Veterans Memorial Committee, the Pledge of Allegiance by Deacon Jose G. Gonzalez, and the National Anthem by Gus Garcia. The opening prayer was next by Deacon Jose G. Gonzalez, followed by a special guest speaker, Marine Veteran Juan Escobar, and an American Legion Post 439 guest, Commander Larry Beers.

Jane Castillo read a very special poem, The Brave, by Connie Kindle. Honor Guard members from La Feria Early College High School were also in attendance.

The closing song, God Bless America, was performed by Gus Garcia. Ignacio Garcia played Taps at 3:00 p.m. along with the rest of the nation.

Special recognition goes to La Feria AG teacher Mr. Salazar and FFA Member Junior Kayleen Flores for building a beautiful podium for future events held by the Veterans Memorial Committee.

The La Feria Memorial Monument Committee would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the participants who were instrumental in making the Memorial Day Ceremony a great success this year.
Memorial Day, first known as Decoration Day, is a day on which we remember all those who have died in the eternal service of the United States of America. Although the origins of this holiday are difficult to prove, with over two dozen claiming to be its birthplace, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared in May 1966 that Waterloo, N.Y., would officially be recognized as its birthplace.

While the origin may not matter, one thing is clear: this particular day was born out of the Civil War with a desire to honor our dead. The National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, General John Logan, officially proclaimed it in General Order No. 11 on May 5, 1868.

In the order, the General stated that May 30, 1868, is designated for placing flowers or decorating the graves of fallen soldiers who perished in the defense of their country and who now lie in almost every village, city, and churchyard in our nation.

Since this day was not the anniversary of any battle, it became known originally as Decoration Day. On the first Decoration Day, 5,000 participants decorated the graves of 20,000 Confederate and Union soldiers buried at Arlington Cemetery, and General James Garfield made a historic speech.

The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890, it was also recognized by all northern states. The South initially refused to recognize this day and instead honored its dead on separate days. This would continue until after World War 1 when the holiday changed from honoring just those who had died in the Civil War to honoring Americans who had died fighting in any war.

With the Congressional passage of the National Holiday Act of 1971(P.L. 90-363), Memorial Day is now observed on the last Monday in May by almost every state. This passage also ensured a three-day weekend (Memorial Day Weekend) for federal holidays.

The “National Moment of Remembrance “is a resolution passed in December 2000. At 3 p.m., all Americans are asked to voluntarily and informally observe a Moment of Remembrance and Respect, pause what they are doing, and have a moment of silence, which has brought a special meaning to this holiday of remembering our fallen heroes.

Photos- La Feria Veterans Memorial Monument Project Facebook Page

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