Update on the Wreaths Across America Ceremony that took place on Saturday. (Original Post is here.)

Yeoman 1st Class Jesus Almaguer
Placing a Wreath honoring those who have served
and are serving in the United States Navy

Houston National Cemetery- Wreaths Across America is a rain, sleet, snow or shine event. On Saturday December 15 the Houston area woke to thunder, lightning, wind and drenching rain. The radar showed a thick band of weather moving through the Houston area with much cooler temperatures behind it.

Linda Barry of the Houston National Cemetery suggested using the on-site chapel. While small, the chapel itself is quite is beautiful. There is stained glass representing all branches of the military, beautiful wood and marble throughout. Workers pressed forward to place extra chairs inside and out.

Despite the dismal weather close to 100 veterans and family members came to honor our military. Two members of the Patriot Guard stood watch outside the chapel proudly holding the American flag.

CAP Capt Eric Thompson of the Civil Air Patrol presided over the ceremony which began with a nation wide minute of silence paying tribute to our nation’s veterans, active duty service men and women and their families. State representative Rob Eissler, the key note speaker, gave an inspirational speech calling our service men and women America’s true heroes. CAP Chaplin Lt Col David Northcutt gave the invocation & benediction. Delta Composite Squadron provided the Color Guard posting the U.S. and Texas flags.

Among the dignitaries present were Congressman Gene Green, representatives from the offices of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Congressmen Michael McCall and Nick Lampson. Gold Star Mothers was represented by Ms. Peggy Slay and General Henry Osterman represented the Michael DeBakey VA Medical Center. A special letter from Senator John Cornyn was also read to the attendees.

The ceremony ended with21 gun salute that was followed by TAPS played by bugler Danny Stephens.

Story by –

Capt. Denise Thompson, CAP
Group IV Public Affairs Officer

Capt. Thompson also sent me the following information:

    A special holiday wreath was presented for the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Prisoners or War / Missing in Action and the Merchant Marines.

The weather kept some folks away but all in all it was a good turn out and a great event. It was truly an honor for me to be involved in an event where we paid tribute to America’s heroes.

If you are wondering if this was a single event in Houston only or nation-wide, Michelle Malkin had a wonderful post this weekend about the Ceremony held at Arlington National Cemetery.

This event was not governmentally sponsored. It was coordinated and executed by volunteers. We owe a big “thank you” to those that took time out of their lives to organize this event not only here in Houston, but nation-wide.

Special Note: As mentioned in my original post, Capt Thompson is an “avid LST reader”, his son was the US flag bearer in the pictures from the year before. The press release was put together by Eric’s wife, Denise. The picture that we used above was taken by Kristie, Eric’s daughter.

I don’t know about you, but I can barely get my family to help me with supper let alone event planning of any significance.

Kudos go to the Thompson family

UPDATE: Also helping some scouts:

we had some awesome help from Cub Master Richard Hixon and two of his Webelos cub scouts Jack Hixon and Robbie Swanson.   All three are with Cub Scout Pack 1928 chartered to Prince of Peace Catholic Community.  The scouts handed out water and cookies after the ceremony.