All Invited to Pay Respects During 2023 Kerr County Memorial Day Program Monday

Everyone in Kerr County on Monday, May 29, is invited to pay tribute to our fallen military heroes during the Kerr County Memorial Day program.

Kerr County elected officials have extended an invitation to residents and visitors alike, welcoming them to attend the 10 a.m. observance that will be held at the War Memorial on the Kerr County Courthouse grounds, 700 Main Street in Kerrville.

The program honors those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to this country while in service in the United States Armed Forces so that Americans can enjoy the freedoms we do today.

U.S. Army Reserve Major General Robert L. Walter, Jr. (ret.) is the featured guest speaker for the solemn occasion. U.S. Marine Corps veteran Jeff Harris will perform master of ceremonies duties.

The mid-morning tribute will also feature a wreath procession and laying at the war memorial, during which Kerr County elected officials, the Kerr County Veterans Service Office and a host of local civic organizations and entities will present wreaths at the memorial. Those who would like to present a wreath in honor of deceased veterans during the observance are asked to register just prior to the ceremony’s start and to bring a wire stand so that their wreath can be free standing in front of the memorial.

Kicking off the program with the posting of the colors will be the Kerrville Composite Squadron TX-442 of the Civil Air Patrol. The Rev. David E. Payne will lead the crowd in the invocation (and, later, the benediction), while Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly will offer welcoming remarks.

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Ryan Halley will read the names on the War Memorial – names of local residents who died in service to this country during various conflicts.

Texas Department of Public Safety Piper Sergeant Eric Morgan will perform “Amazing Grace”, and three gunshot volleys will be executed by the Hill Country Honor Guard. U.S. Air Force Lt. General George Eychner (ret.) will play “Taps” on the bugle.

Limited seating will be available at the event, which is expected to last for about one hour. Attendees who so desire are encouraged to bring their own seating.

2023 Kerr County Memorial Day Program Keynote Speaker U.S. Army Reserve Major Robert L. Walter, Jr. (ret.)

In case of inclement weather on the day of the program, the Kerr County Memorial Day observance will be moved indoors to the Hill Country Youth Event Center Happy State Bank Expo Hall, 3785 TX-27 in Kerrville.

For more information about the event, contact Kerr County Veterans Service Officer Jennifer Sanchez at 830-792-2203 or Gary Noller, of the Kerr County Veterans Service Advisory Committee, at 830-377-8115.

Memorial Day, less commonly known as Decoration Day, is a federal holiday observed each year on the last Monday in May. It has been observed nationwide since 1868 to remember and honor all men and women who died while in military service to the United States. In contrast, Veterans Day, a federal holiday marked in November, honors all U.S. military veterans – dead or alive, although it is large intended as an opportunity to thank living veterans for their service.

A third holiday for veterans, National Armed Forces Day, might be not as widely known, but it is held each year on the third Saturday in May. This year, May 20, 2023, will be the special day for people to thank active duty service men and women in America’s six branches of the United States military: the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard. The holiday was first conceived by President Harry S. Truman and it was established in 1949.

To view the Memorial Day program in its entirety, click the downloadable article link.