Governor Greg Abbott paid tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.
The event, held in Killeen, drew a crowd of over 300 attendees, including military families, veterans, and local officials.
'America is a symbol to the entire world of freedom, opportunity, and hope,' said Governor Abbott in his keynote address.
'From our nation's beginning, the U.S. military has safeguarded those sacred rights. Today, we honor the heroes who gave their all to fight for those rights, those who went into harm's way to protect the American way.
“Our country remains the greatest force for freedom the world has ever known, and that freedom has been preserved, protected, and defended by the mightiest military in the history of the world.
“In times of war and in times of peace, heroes among us have stepped forward and put on the uniform of the United States Armed Forces and have made extraordinary sacrifices to protect us from all that threatens our great nation. May we never forget the price they paid, so that we can be free.'
Governor Abbott's speech emphasized the importance of remembering the fallen not just on Memorial Day but throughout the year. He called for a renewed commitment to supporting military families and improving resources for veterans' reintegration, healthcare, and career opportunities.
Highlighting the state's efforts, Abbott mentioned programs such as Operation Welcome Home and Hiring Red, White, & You, both initiatives of the Texas Workforce Commission, as well as the National Center for Warrior Resiliency.
Operation Welcome Home aims to streamline the transition for military members returning to civilian life by providing them with the necessary tools and support. Hiring Red, White, & You connects veterans with employers seeking skilled workers, helping to reduce veteran unemployment rates. The National Center for Warrior Resiliency focuses on mental health support, ensuring that veterans receive the care they need after their service.
The ceremony also featured remarks from General Land Office Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, Killeen Mayor Debbie Nash King, and Harker Heights Mayor Michael Blomquist.
Each speaker underscored the valor and dedication of the service members who laid down their lives for their country and highlighted the community's role in supporting veterans and their families. Commissioner Buckingham reflected on the legacy of the fallen heroes, noting that their sacrifices have paved the way for the freedoms enjoyed today.
'We stand on the shoulders of giants, those brave souls who have given everything for our liberty,' she said. 'It is our duty to honor their memory and ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.'
Mayor King and Mayor Blomquist both spoke to the local community's deep ties to the military, given Killeen's proximity to Fort Cavazos (formerly known as Fort Hood), one of the largest military installations in the world.
They expressed their gratitude for the service members' dedication and the importance of maintaining strong support networks for military families.
Governor Abbott concluded his address by urging all Texans to engage actively in supporting veterans and their families.
'We must do more than just remember,' he said. 'We must act—by supporting the programs that help our veterans, by hiring them, by welcoming them back into our communities, and by ensuring they have access to the healthcare and resources they need.'
