In Solemn Honor: A Memorial Day Remembered.

On this solemn day, we remember those that have served our country and did not return. We honor those that have recently fallen. And we honor those who have gone before us, that are no longer with us.

Monday, May 28, Originally known as Decoration Day, originated in the years following the Civil War. On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance later that month.

1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday. It officially became an official federal holiday in the year of my birth, 1971.

I have observed this day in years past, by attending bar-b-ques with family or watching war movies on tv. I still watch the war movies, but this year, I got to observe in a new way, part of which I hope becomes a permanent tradition, and part of it I was saddened to attended.

This morning, we marked the passing of Stephanie Croft, a mother of one of our Young Marines at the National Guard unit at the Austin airport. A group of our Young Marines and their unit leadership payed our respects. We are saddened at the loss and we wish to express our continued support to the family. We know that there are no words that can ease the sadness of the loss of a loved one. I believe I can speak for our entire leadership when I say we extend our love and sympathy. Know also, that we are here if you need us.

Later in the morning, I was present and led a side detail for The Tolling of the Ships ceremony held by Naval Submariners at Round Rock Memorial Park. Our Color Guard did an exemplary job. We presented the colors for the program and observed the reading of the list and the tolling of the bell before retiring the colors.

The ceremony was small, but had a large impact on those in attendance. Below are photos of the Color Guard. Thank you to Young Marine Mom Ms. McClure.