Williams to speak at Memorial Day event
U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin, will be among the speakers at Monday's Memorial Day event.
The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at Cleburne Memorial Park Cemetery, 405 Waters St.
Williams will deliver the morning's keynote address. On hand also will be members of Cleburne American Legion Post 50, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion.
Members of the Cleburne Fire Department will lead the Pledge of Allegiance while Cleburne Police Chief Rob Severance will deliver the ceremony's opening prayer.
'This ceremony is one I look forward to every year,' Severance said. 'It brings a very respectful and important opportunity for us to honor those who have given everything to protect our country and our way of life.'
Severance encouraged residents to attend the ceremony.
'It really is a very beautiful and moving ceremony especially if you've never seen it before,' Severance said. 'All the volunteers and city staff work hard every year to present an interesting and dignified program. Certainly I think it's a program people should attend and bring their kids to.'
'The Star-Spangled Banner,' 'Taps' and other music and readings fill out the ceremony. The ceremony also includes a POW/MIA table with an explanation of each item's significance and a Military Child Ceremonial Table.
SAL Commander Henry Kulow will present 'Remembrance of Wars Past' and Cleburne Chamber of Commerce President Tracy Thomas will deliver a veteran's perspective on Memorial Day.
Toward the end of the ceremony, Williams and a child will place a wreath on the grave of a veteran.
'We wish to convey our thanks to the Cleburne Memorial Cemetery staff for allowing us to again host this program here and giving their time to all of us on their day off,' Cleburne American Legion Auxiliary member Marti Peters said. 'We also express our gratitude to the Cleburne Fire Department for their help in setting up this program and to all the others who volunteered their time to make this program possible.'
Peters also urged residents to attend.
'For many, Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer with swimming, cookouts and family fun,' Peters said. 'Those are all important things and should be enjoyed. But we should all also take time to remember the true purpose of Memorial Day and to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we cherish and enjoy, and to remember their families too.'
Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to partake of complimentary punch and cookies at American Legion Post 50, 313 W. Chambers St.
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