Memorial Day is a day about gratitude and remembrance. It's not just a day off. It is to remember those men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

In honor of those men and women who lost their lives serving this nation, Fred Brock American Legion Post 828 held its annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the post’s event center.

The keynote speaker was retired Maj. Gen. Juan Ayala, U.S. Marine Corps, director, City of San Antonio Military & Veterans Affairs, who spoke on past operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom and the honoring of those Americans and Iraqis who were killed in action.

Other dignitaries in attendance included Bexar County Precinct 4 Constable Kat Brown, the Post’s 2023 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

During the ceremony, Post Commander Burrell Parmer read the names of the Legionnaires who entered Post Everlasting: Len Carter, Henry Cunningham, Erddie Howard and Willie Watson. Additionally, he read the names of those Sons of the American Legion who passed as well: Richard Glover and Joe Jones.

“Many gave their lives to ensure we can sustain the principles of justice, freedom and democracy,” said Parmer, who serves as the District 2 representative on the city’s Veterans Advisory Commission. “Our grandfathers, fathers, grandmothers, mothers, daughters and sons paid this price for us. Let us continue to honor them accordingly.”

Towards the ceremony’s conclusion, Parmer read the Memorial Day Proclamation followed by the playing of taps.

Afterwards, all were invited to refreshments sponsored by H-E-B Operation Appreciation. Later that evening, members and guests were entertained with a live performance by the RDO Band.