Honoring Veterans, All Across Fayette County
In Praha:
Sunday Nov. 7 was the 59th consecutive Praha Veterans’ Day ceremony. Approximately 350- 400 people attended this year. Last year the event was limited to veterans only because of the threat of COVID. Colonel Mike Petrash, retired army, was the guest speaker. Bob Heinrich served as the Master of Ceremonies.
The program consisted of Posting of Colors, Pledge, National Anthem, History of the nine men killed in WWII from Praha, patriotic songs by D’Vine Testament, guest speaker, Laying of Wreaths on the men’s graves, recognition of veterans of all services and eras, POW/ MIA honors, flag folding while reading the meanings of each fold, Triple Volley Salute (21 gun) and playing of TAPS. During the ceremony, the Commemorative Air Force conducted a flyover with a flower drop over the cemetery.
In Round Top: T
This year was the Smith-McMillan Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter Community Classroom’s inaugural Veterans Day event featuring posters around the courthouse in Round Top.
Many students and faculty worked together to create 40 posters. The photo above shows the students with their posters.
After viewing the posters, RT/C School Board member Al Gross said, “Just a little note to you from a Veteran. I was awestruck by what I saw at the courthouse lawn. It was not only well done, but the walk through gave me a sense of calm and reverence. I found myself not able to move on until I could read every word written regarding each Veteran. It will be a topic of discussion at our next school board meeting. Thank you and please pass our sincere thanks to all that had a hand in completing the task.”
In Fayetteville:
Fayetteville ISD hosted their 2nd annual parade for local Veterans on Thursday. School superintendent Dr. Jeff Harvey, a veteran himself, led the parade with a special guest on the back of his truck.
Captain Chris Tengler returned from deployment with the 335th Signal Command in Arifjan, Kuwait in time to surprise his niece Sage Gasoway, a 7th grader at FISD. They are shown embracing in the photo above.
She joined him on the back of the truck to lead the local veteran’s who decorated their vehicles for the occasion. Just like last year, John Crowley, a U.S. Airforce veteran and grandfather to the Moreau students who attend FISD, joined in the celebration by flying his plane over the parade numerous times. Fayetteville ISD wants to thank all the local veterans for their service and for participating in the celebration.