Photo Courtesy of Gorasaurus Productions / Steve Gore

At about 2:30pm, the crowd began gathering around the Fallen Warrior Memorial in beautiful Pfluger Park. The Patriot Guard Riders were arriving with their flag detail. The Hendrickson High School Band and Choir began assembling. The Pflugerville Police and Parks & Recreation Depts. were assisting the elderly and handicapped from the parking lot to the chairs set aside for them in the front. The American Heritage Girls, Boy Scouts, and members of the Rotary Interact Clubs helped pass out flags and programs. The individual service flags, including the Merchant Marines and POW/MIA, were dancing in the light breeze along the edges of the memorial. The temperature was pleasant and it was a very good day for a ceremony!

An announcement was made about 2:45pm to be looking to the skies for the flyover by the Commemorative Air Force. The Hendrickson High School Band began playing patriotic music to help set the mood for the ceremony. The speakers and participants began assembling at the memorial. It was just about 3:00pm when the steady roar of the engines of the three planes from the Commemorative Air Force could be heard. The sound grew louder and louder as they approached and everyone began looking up to the skies.

Although the skies were cloudy, the three planes were flying low and slow enough for excellent viewing. Cameras were snapping pictures, flags were waving, hands were waving, as everyone enjoyed the moment! Once they passed, as the applause was fading, you could hear them turning to come back around for another pass. Another great showing of hands and flags waving, and photos taken, then they continued on their way.

Jim Wilkinson, the Master of Ceremony, welcomed everyone and began the introduction. Faintly in the distance, you could hear the engines again as the planes were returning for a third flyover! Again plenty of excitement, hands and flags waving, and applause as the Commemorative Air Force started the ceremony with an airborne salute!

Once again, Jim Wilkinson began the introduction by thanking everyone for attending and recognizing the participants, supporters, planning committee, and especially the speakers. Then he introduced Pastor Stephen Washburn of the First Baptist Church - Pflugerville to bring the invocation. Next came the Posting of the Colors by the Pflugerville Police Honor Guard.

The Pledges of Allegiance (U.S. and Texas) were led by Boy Scouts from Troop 4277. Before the singing of the National Anthem, a special announcement was made: ...a note to all Veterans: in accordance with the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, Sec. 595, titled Military Salute for the Flag during the National Anthem, "members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform". Many veterans, for the first time since being in uniform, were now able to salute the flag while the Choir sang the National Anthem very beautifully. There was a very noticeable and meaningful pride in these salutes!

Jim briefly talked about the Fallen Warrior Memorial, identifying the warriors listed, its meaning to the families and friends of those fallen, recognizing the prisoners of war and missing in action, and about the Veterans who have done their duty and returned to civilian life. A short history of Veterans Day was shared. Then a recognition of all of the youth in uniform, many of whom will continue wearing uniforms as they continue into adulthood.

Then the veterans and active duty military were recognized while the Hendrickson HS Choir sang the "Armed Services Salute".

Pflugerville Mayor Jeff Coleman was next to the podium. Mayor Coleman expressed his thanks to the veterans and shared his increased understanding of the military and the people who serve in our military forces. He also shared his thanks to those in the community for coming together and building the Fallen Warrior Memorial and planning the Annual Veterans Day ceremonies.

Michael Monroy followed the Mayor singing with his acoustic guitar his original song titled "Red, White and Blue". His song was very moving and well-received by the audience - especially the veterans! We're working to have a recording of this song posted here in the near future.

Cassie Holman, representing U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul, continued the ceremony by thanking the people of Pflugerville for hosting this ceremony and reading a letter from the congressman.

State Representative Mark Strama followed Ms. Holman sharing how pleased he was with being invited again to speak at this ceremony. He also recognized the veterans and spoke about our democracy for which they willingly served to protect. Rep. Strama was followed by the Pflugerville Elementary School Choir singing a special patriotic song.

The Keynote Speaker, Mr. Tweed Scott, was warmly welcomed to the podium with a little bit of humor in his introduction. He has become a regular visitor to Pflugerville and has gained many friends here. Tweed gave a very moving presentation about the history of Texas and Texans in the military - including his own son, who is presently serving in the U.S Army. You can read more about Tweed below...

Following Tweed's speech, Jim Wilkinson made some closing remarks and called upon Pastor Washburn to give a Benediction. Afterward, a moment of silence was observed. Hendrickson HS Seniors Joseph Morrow and Ryan Manders then played echo taps which brought forth strong emotions from the veterans, their families and friends. The Pflugerville Police Honor Guard then retired the colors.

The ceremony was concluded and everyone went about their day after honoring and paying their respect to the veterans in our community and nation. Our 2nd Annual Veterans Day Ceremony was patriotic and spiritually uplifting! We look forward to planning our 3rd annual ceremony!

We thank you for attending this year and look forward to seeing you next year!
Semper Fidelis
Steve Gore - Founder / Planning Committee Chairman

Click here for an 8.5 x 11 color ceremony flyer (PDF)

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Pflugerville, Texas - Annual Veterans Day Ceremony

2012 Keynote Speaker

Mr. Tweed Scott
Tweed Scott retired from broadcasting after nearly 32 years. You may remember him from his days at KVET/KASE. His broadcasting accomplishments include operating the highest rated FM station in America and later the 5th highest rated AM station in America.

He is the owner of Tejas Communications, a writing and public speaking company. Tweed also served two terms as the president of the Writers' League of Texas serving some 1,500 members. He is an award winning speaker and the author of the 3-time national award-winning book, Texas In Her Own Words. He describes it as a peek into the Texas psyche and explains why Texans are the way they are…where all that attitude comes from. He loves spreading what he calls "The Gospel of Texas."

His speaking topics include leadership, attitude and making good choices. Tweed is a veteran of the US Navy. He served as a Master Quality Control Inspector of parachutes and pilot survival gear. At the ceremony he will speak about the important roles Texas and Texans have played in military matters over the past 176 years.

Very Special Thanks to:

City of Pflugerville, TX
Pflugerville Police Department
Pflugerville Community Development Corporation (PCDC)
Pflugerville Independent School District (PISD)
Pfriends Pfor Pflugerville's Pfuture (Pf4)
Pflugerville Downtown Association (PDA)
Lions Club of Pflugerville
Rotary Club of Pflugerville
Commemorative Air Force - CenTex Wing
Patriot Guard Riders - Austin Area
Gorasaurus Productions
Screenplay Games, Inc.
Wordyisms
Pat McCord Photography
Flower Child Design