Commissioner Mike Hernandez is slated to speak at the Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene on December 17, 2022. The ceremony is part of a national wreath placing event held that day at veteran cemeteries across the U.S.
“Placing wreaths gives everyone a reminder of the commitments made, valor shown and the blood shed for our nation’s freedom. It serves to show respect and reverence to those who served. Or as Wreaths Across America simply puts it “Remember, Honor, Teach,” said Hernandez, a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran and member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
For Hernandez, pictured, the Abilene wreath laying is a moving experience with ties to family and community.
“I am deeply moved to be part of this wreath laying ceremony because I can name several family and friends, and I know that all at the ceremony can too, who are among those we honor. The same solemn feelings are experienced here that are felt in cemeteries across this country. The difference is that these heroes interned here, are our family and friends. Our brothers and sisters in arms. There are no strangers here. They are our veterans, from our region.”
Wreath laying ceremonies to honor and remember our nation’s military heroes are scheduled on December 17 at Texas State Veterans Cemeteries operated by the Veterans Land Board in Corpus Christi and Mission as well as Abilene. The public is invited to attend.