The Marble Falls Rotary Club hosted its annual Veterans Day ceremony at Memorial Park at noon Nov. 11, beginning with a moving prelude by the Highland Lakes Men’s Chorus.
Their lineup of patriotic selections, including the service songs for each branch of the armed forces, set a reverent tone for the gathering.
Rotary Club President Robert Pahmiyer welcomed the crowd and introduced the emcee, Marble Falls Fire Rescue Chief Tommy Crane.
Crane opened the ceremony by offering heartfelt gratitude to veterans everywhere, acknowledging both their service and the sacrifices made by their families.
He reminded attendees that “the freedoms Americans enjoy today exist because of the dedication and protection of the nation’s armed forces.”
Veterans and their families were invited to stand for recognition, prompting many in the crowd to rise including 103-year-old World War II Veteran James Arthur “Art” Strickland.
Air Force Veteran and Rotarian Mark McCary delivered the invocation. The posting of the colors followed, led by Jeral Thorpe, Navy Veteran Robert Dunagan, and Marine Corps Veteran Mike Atkinson.
The Highland Lakes Men’s Chorus then returned to lead the National Anthem. Michael Richter guided the audience in the Pledges of Allegiance.
Chief Crane introduced the guest speaker, Kevin Klaus of the Texas General Land Office.
A native Texan, U.S. Army Veteran, and historian with a background in anthropology, archaeology and public history, Klaus has spent his career exploring archival collections to uncover firsthand stories of Texas’ earliest settlers and defenders.
He opened with a compelling fact: “Did you know we are standing on land given to William Charles M. Baker, defender of the Alamo?”
Klaus went on to share Baker’s story and highlighted other early Texas veterans, emphasizing that Veterans Day honors not only those who served in world conflicts abroad but also those who defended Texas in its earliest years. Following applause for Klaus’s presentation, the Highland Lakes Men’s Chorus offered additional music.
Bagpipers Lorinda Peters and Mark Clark then played as the ceremony transitioned into its most solemn moments.
A 21-gun salute was carried out by Officer Cotton Walton (Cottonwood Shores PD), Deputy Leon Ingersoll (Burnet County SO), Marine Veteran Officer Brett Williams (Marble Falls PD), Sgt. Brad Holden (Horseshoe Bay PD), Sgt. Aaron Garcia (MFPD), Deputy Drew Luis (BCSO), and Army Veteran Officer Dalton Buckhorn (Burnet PD).
As the final volley echoed through Memorial Park, a hush swept across the crowd. Veteran Alan Martin began Taps, his solitary notes drifting across the park. The sound reverberated gently, carrying a sense of reverence and remembrance that settled over the gathering.
The program concluded with a lighthearted nod to cartoonist Charles Schulz’s depiction of Snoopy as the Red Baron – an enduring symbol of courage and service – and a closing prayer.
