Kerr leaders invite public to pay respects during May 27 Memorial Day program

Kerr County leaders invite residents and visitors to gather for a May 27 program honoring the United States military men and women who gave their lives to protect the free, American way of life.

Featuring a new parking plan (details to be released soon) and an improved way for displaying memorial wreaths, the 10 a.m. observance will be at the Kerr County War Memorial on the grounds of the Kerr County Courthouse, 700 Main Street in Kerrville.

Limited seating will be available on the benches in front of the memorial. Those planning to attend are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. New this year, two, small tented areas will provide additional shade. And, Discount Tire has donated bottled waters, so those will be made available free of charge.

Retired U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant Roy A. Boudreaux will deliver the keynote address.

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, a veteran of the U.S. Army, will welcome attendees, while U.S. Marine Corps veteran Jeff Harris will provide both opening and closing remarks.

Two special highlights of the mid-morning tribute will be U.S. Marine Corps veteran Ryan Halley’s reading of the names of Kerr County service men who died (in order of combat) and the annual presentation of wreaths from the many participating local clubs and organizations.

Anyone who would like to show their patriotism and gratitude on this day of remembrance is invited to bring an occasion-appropriate wreath plus wire stand and register just prior to the start of the program. Those who visit the sign-in table will be given a number so that the wreaths will be laid in a more orderly fashion at the foot of the gray granite Kerr County War Memorial.

Also participating in the observance (in order of their appearance) will be: members of the Kerrville Composite Squadron TX-442 of the Civil Air Patrol, who will post the colors; Vicky Brand, who will sing the national anthem; Ryan Pendegraft, who will lead the invocation and the closing benediction; members of the Hill Country Honor Guard, who will fire the three volleys, Texas Highway Patrol Sgt. Eric Morgan, who will play TAPS, and Kerrville Fire Department retiree Kirk Scheel, who will play the bagpipe.

Keynote Speaker
Boudreaux, this year’s featured speaker, is a native of Louisiana, who graduated from South Park High School in Beaumont. He holds an associate’s degree in instructor technology from the Community College of the Air Force, a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Tampa and a master’s degree in business management from Central Michigan University.

As the youngest of four brothers (three of whom each served 30 years in the U.S. Air Force), Boudreaux entered the service in July 1962. He completed more than 30 years on active duty, with tours of duty that led him to overseas bases in in Taiwan, Vietnam, Germany and in the Azores. He also served at bases stateside in Florida, Texas and Alabama, before he retired in 1992.

Boudreaux moved to Kerrville in 2010. He currently owns and operates Kerrville Clock Company.

He and his wife, Jessica, have five children and two grandchildren.

“We welcome back our regular Memorial Day program visitors, and encourage everyone to take just a few minutes out of your holiday to pay your respects at this year’s observance,” said Kerr County Veterans Service Officer Jennifer Sanchez.

“It is a solemn occasion, indeed, but we owe it to the memory of our fallen heroes to pay our respects. It is worth it to hear the music, the message, the names,” Sanchez said. “Plus, when this community turns out in full force to show its patriotism, the resulting parade of wreaths’ creates a show of brilliant reds, whites and blues in front of our county’s impressive war memorial. It is truly a sight to behold.”

To view the full program for the observance, click HERE.

Details of this year's new parking plan will be explained using a color schematic that will be released within the coming week. Visit back here to take a look.