Memorial Day: San Antonio remembers those lost but not forgotten

By Lori NewmanJune 3, 2010

Memorial Day-Color Guard
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Members of the Joint Services Color Guard post the colors May 31 during the Memorial Day ceremony at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Maj. Gen. David Rubenstein, commander, Army Medical Department Center & School, presided over the posting of ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Memorial Day-Wreaths
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Members of the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas and the Alamo Area Council Boy Scouts of America lead the presentation of wreaths during the Memorial Day ceremony at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Military members from each branch of service a... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- Thousands braved the heat to remember and pay tribute to those lost but not forgotten at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Memorial Day, May 31.

Many veterans from past wars came to honor their fallen comrades. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles came to pay homage to their lost relatives. Military members, civic leaders and community organizations placed wreaths in the circle beneath the American flag flying at half mast to honor fallen service members.

Before the ceremony began, Robert L. Masten, commander, American Legion Post 10 read the names of 12 Medal of Honor recipients and a few other individuals who held special significance to the San Antonio community.

American Legion members from District 20 began reading the names of all those buried at the cemetery May 26 at 8 a.m. and concluded May 30 at 10:30 a.m. with the exception of the names read by Masten on Memorial Day.

"Memorial Day is the day we pause to reflect and honor the memory and sacrifices of those who gave their lives to the service of this great country of ours, and those otherwise departed who served their country in other ways," said retired Chief Master Sgt. Tom Nesbit, master of ceremonies.

"In honoring those who have sacrificed everything for the principles we as Americans hold dear, we have the opportunity to recommit ourselves to action based on their examples of self-sacrifice and honor. Today is also a today to reflect on those who continue to lead their lives and serve with honor and dignity, guided by the ever-present examples of those who have gone on before them," Nesbit said.

Dr. Teresa Boyd, deputy chief of staff, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, gave the opening remarks for the ceremony.

"I am honored to represent over 3,000 men and women who are committed to providing the very best health care for the many heroes who have fought for our freedom, Boyd said.

"Today, however, we honor those we never had a chance to care for; those that gave their ultimate sacrifice on the battleground and did not make it back stateside."

"Many Americans today do not understand the meaning of Memorial Day. For many it is a day off from school or work, a shopping day or a weekend to start the summer fun with barbecues, swimming or just hanging out," said Col. Mary E. Garr, 502nd Mission Support Group/Garrison commander and guest speaker for the ceremony.

"Most Americans have not served in one of the military services and many have not had Family serve. War is a remote, not a personal idea for them. However, the freedoms they enjoy are no less important."

Garr explained the origins of the holiday originally called "Decoration Day." Memorial Day was acclaimed by Gen. John Logan, the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic to honor Civil War dead. It was first observed May 30, 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate Soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. After World War I, the holiday changed to honor all who died fighting any of America's wars.

The Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery was established in 1924, and the first interments were placed in 1926. The cemetery currently has more than 76,000 service members buried there and averages 18 burials a day.

"Freedom is not free, nor can it be taken for granted. We can live as we do today; a free nation with strong values - freedom of choice, opportunities for work, education and a chance to raise our Families in a safe and secure environment because of our military. Because of the sacrifices of men and women serving in our military, past and present, we are the greatest nation today."

"Although we officially take one day, Memorial Day, to pay tribute to our fallen," the colonel said.

"I believe that every day we should remember those who have given their lives in order that we can be free to live our lives as we so choose."

Related Links:

IMCOM on Army.mil

IMCOM iReport