It’s always a red-white-and blue Memorial Day in Rockdale but the 2019 observance will have some extra patriotic color as the area observes wartime fallen American service personnel.
In addition to the traditional service at American Legion Carlyle Post 358 Monday, veterans groups and the City of Rockdale will team up for a meaningful display of American flags at Bridge Park beginning Thursday.
Each ceremony has the same goal, to honor and remember the 236 Milam County men and women who gave their lives during wars from World War I to the Global War on Terror.
CEREMONY—Rockdale High School FFA students will read the names of those who, in Abraham Lincoln’s words, gave “their last full measure of devotion” during the 10 a.m. ceremony.
It will be held at the Legion Post, 2534 North FM 487, the former Rockdale Gun Club location.
Speaker will be Rockdale City Manager Chris Whittaker, a U. S. Army veteran.
The Communities in Concert Band will provide patriotic music, including a solemn rendering of “Taps” to close out the ceremony.
There will be a POW/MIA remembrance, colors will be posted and retired by the Hutto Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) and light refreshments will be served following the gathering.
FLAGS—Carlyle Post 358, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6525, VFW Auxiliary and the City of Rockdale will team up to post flags in Bridge Park during Memorial Day weekend in a red-white-and-blue tribute.
Ron Rabinowitz, spokesman, said the groups will post one flag each for area men and women who died in World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War and the Global War on Terror.
“There will be separate sections for each,” Rabinowitz said. “At night lights will bathe the area in red. It’s going to be quite a sight.”
He said the groups will place flags at the park starting at 9 a.m. on Thursday, “Anyone who wants to watch is invited to come on out or, even better, help us place them,” he said.
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