By Louis Zylka
The 830 Times
Nearly 125 Val Verde County residents gathered on Monday
morning at the Val Verde County Courthouse for a Memorial Day
ceremony to honor members of the military who died while serving the nation.
The annual Memorial Day ceremony was organized by Enrique Trevino, Val Verde County veterans service officer, and it was hosted by Mistress of Ceremony Amaris Leon.
The ceremony began with an invocation by Pastor Orlando Venegas, pastor of Promise Land Church. The ceremony continued with the presentation of the colors by the Jesus M. Limones Jr. American Legion Post 595 Honor Guard, and the National Anthem sung by Mia Galindo.
Speakers included Trevino, Val Verde County Judge Lewis G. Owens Jr., Mayor Al Arreola and Lt. Col. (ret.) Simon P. Benavides, senior aerospace science instructor and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) department leader at Del Rio High School TX-066 Air Force Junior ROTC.
Benavides talked about the history of fallen veterans in the Del Rio community.
Benavides ended his speech by reading out the list of military
lists the names of military members from Del Rio who died while serving their country.
Benavides said, “Freedom is not free. It comes at a tremendous cost. Life is very fragile. We
only have one, and once you’re gone, you’re gone.” (Photo by Louis Zylka)
members from Del Rio who fell in the line of duty and died serving their country. He thanked all those who attended, adding that it is “a small price to pay to remember these people.”
The ceremony ended with a three-gun salute by the American Legion Post 595 Honor Guard with everyone in attendance standing in respect.
