Photo Courtesy of Pat McCord Photography

Pflugerville, Texas had its First Annual Veterans Day Ceremony in Pfluger Park at the Fallen Warrior Memorial on Friday 11 November 2011, or 11/11/11. What a spectacular day in so many ways!

Just as the ceremony was about to begin, the sunny blue skies overhead were filled with the roar of three vintage war planes from the Commemorative Air Force - Centex Wing making their first of three passes on their scheduled flyover. The Austin Patriot Guard Riders had already formed a Flag Line along the bridge over Gilleland Creek, honoring us with their continuing dignity of service.

Jim Wilkinson began as Master of Ceremony welcoming everyone, our speakers, and especially all of the veterans in attendance. He briefly spoke about the history of Veterans Day and its significance to our community. Then he introduced Senior Pastor Stephen Washburn, from the First Baptist Church - Pflugervile, and our ceremony "officially" began with an Invocation.

The Pflugerville Police Department Honor Guard began marching to Post the Colors to the cadence and melody played by the Emergency Service Pipes and Drums: Denver Bierstedt on snare, Coitt Kessler on bagpipes.

The Pledges of Allegiance, U.S. and Texas, were led by local area Girl Scouts. A beautiful "Star Spangled Banner" was harmonized by mother and daughter, Amber and Kiersten Harner.

Next came the unveiling of the newest addition to the Fallen Warrior Memorial titled "The Final Peace". This new statue is of a little boy saluting the soldiers of the memorial. Ms. Janet Norwood, Gold Star Mother of SSgt. Byron Norwood USMC, led this dedication. More of this story will be coming soon on this site with its own descriptive page.

As an emphasis of this ceremony was towards children and youth in uniform, we had an uplifting and special patriotic musical performance by students from the Pflugerville Elementary School and led by Ms. Janice Sikes.

Then it was time to recognize the historic significance of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The signing of the Armistice that ended World War I in 1918. As proclaimed then, "the war to end all wars"...

The recognition of Fallen Warrior Families in our community was a haunting reminder that the casualties of war extend far beyond the war zones. We specifically recognized veterans of World War II and Korea as there are fewer and fewer veterans from those wars. Then we recognized our veterans by individual services, as well as Prisoners of War (POW) and families of those Missing in Action (MIA). We also recognized the Merchant Marines for their tremendous contributions to our military efforts. This was a very touching and emotional part of the ceremony as many of us veterans remember the losses of our fellow soldiers and sailors in peace and war.

Before our exceptional list of speakers began, we acknowledged letters received from Governor Rick Perry and U.S. Senator John Cornyn.

Pflugerville Mayor Jeff Coleman led the charge of excellent speeches this day! He was followed by Ms. Monique Wright from U.S. Congressman Mike McCauls office. Our Keynote Speaker, a truly accomplished, dedicated and devoted career sailor, was Captain Leonard G. Shelton, Jr. USN (Ret.). Captain Shelton made quite an impression on everyone with a heartfelt and rousing speech. Conluding our speakers was State Representative Mark Strama giving an excellent speech! (These speeches will be available as audio tracks soon.)

The Praise Team from Abundant Life Church really moved the audience with a divinely inspirational a cappella singing of "America, the Beautiful" followed by "I Need You To Survive".

The ceremony began winding down as Senior Pastor Stephen Washburn brought the Benediction and Jim Wilkinson gave some closing remarks. A Moment of Silence was observed prior to David Boostrom, from Buglers Across America, playing a very beautiful and emotionally charged Taps.

Then it was the Resigning of the Colors with the Pflugerville Police Department Honor Guard and the pipers and drummer from Emergency Service Pipes and Drums playing "Amazing Grace" as they all marched off...

- Steve Gore, Planning Committee Chairman