Texas Panhandle War Memorial hosts Veterans Day ceremony
The Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center (TPWRC) held its annual Veterans Day Ceremony Friday to honor present and past veterans at its center in Amarillo.
Following the presentation of the colors by Caprock High School United States Marine Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (JROTC) color guard, Gold Star families were given special consideration as they stood and were presented with flowers for their lost loved ones.
After honoring the sacrifices of those who serve and their families, the Memorial Center event had retired U.S. Army Sgt. Major James Martinez as its featured speaker to give a Veterans Day address to his fellow veterans.
“Thank you, all my fellow veterans; you’re never alone. Anytime you need somebody, please reach out. There is always going to be somebody to listen,” Martinez said during his speech. “Find me; I’ll listen. We can always be there. We’ll always be there for each other, and thank you for your service.”
Amarillo Opera singer Lauren Nevarez sang an inspired rendition of “America the Beautiful” that brought the crowd to its feet.
The presentation of the honorary wreath for veterans no longer with us was brought forward by the Combat Veterans Association to its place of honor as the group rendered honors. Following the wreath placement, members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1475 presented the six branches of the Armed Forces, followed by the Prisoner of War Flag.
Executive Director of the Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center, Tim Reid, spoke about hosting the veteran’s event in his new role.
“Just being over here as the director is such an honor,” Reid said. “When I was at Ascension Academy, I used to say I was lucky because I got to walk the halls with future greatness; here, I get to rub shoulders with true greatness. It's really a nice leap to be here, and I am so honored to be here. It gives us all a chance to reflect on what all these veterans have done for us and our country.”
Recently elected Potter County councilmember Blair Schaffer said it was a beautiful ceremony that he was glad to be a part of.
“To me, Veterans Day is about remembering those that serve and the sacrifices that they and their families go through,“ Schaffer said.
Veteran Brenna Barrett, a member of VFW Post 1475 who carried a service flag during the ceremony, reflected on Veterans Day.
"For me, it means honoring all the veterans in my family that came before me and being thankful for where we are at today as a country,” Barrett said. “It’s important to share this and express our gratitude to those that are serving now, that are passing on that torch, being the true patriots.”
Following the ceremony, Martinez, a 24-year veteran of the Army, spoke about the honor of speaking at the event and what Veterans Day means to him.
“It was amazing to have this opportunity; it was a blessing to have my brothers and this crowd here to give honor to those that serve,” Martinez said.
He wanted veterans to know that they were not alone and not to be afraid to reach out for help.
“You are not alone; we have fellow veterans and family for you,” Martinez said.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Texas Panhandle War Memorial hosts Veterans Day ceremony Friday
