Kristin Edwards
The HEARTS Veterans Museum of Texas, The Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir and the Huntsville Community Men’s Choir came together on Monday for a Memorial Day Service at Elkins Lake Baptist Church.
“We recognized all branches of the armed forces in all wars and conflicts, and those currently serving in the armed forces,” said Charlotte Oleinik, museum director. “We wanted to honor the memory of those that sacrificed their lives.”
The keynote speaker for the event was Jay Kimbrough, a Vietnam veteran and a former U.S. Marine, who was recently appointed as the Texas Youth Commission Conservator.
Kimbrough said he appeared at the event because he responded to a call, something he had been doing for all of his life.
“It was a privilege to be here. I have a strong connection to this community, and it was a great honor to be asked. It means a lot just to be amongst (these veterans),” he said. “It’s hard for us to recognize each other from day to day, but in a place like this you see these men and women and you know you’re not alone.”
Rep. Kevin Brady introduced Kimbrough, and said that he knew Kimbrough as a man who was always faithful to his county, community, state and country. He also commended the veterans museum for organizing the program.
“I don’t think there is a community anywhere else that honors their veterans more than right here in Huntsville,” he said. “You should be proud of that.”
The Huntsville Community Men’s Choir featured members from 18 to 86 years of age. They came from eight different churches and six different denominations.
“This was probably the eighth year we sang for Veteran’s Day programs and Memorial Day programs,” said Norman Ward, the Director of the Huntsville Community Men’s Choir. “Those days are very important to us, because probably three fourths of my men are military veterans from about every branch of the armed forces.”
In addition to the more popular patriotic songs, the group also sang the “Armed Forces Medley,” which featured segments directed to each branch of the armed forces.
“That’s always very meaningful, and we do that each time we have one of these, because it gives the military veterans out there a chance to stand and be recognized,” Ward said.
The Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir performed “I Love the Lord,” “Let Freedom Ring,” and “Amazing Grace.” After their performance, the two choirs sang “Battle Hymn of the Republic” together.
To close the ceremony, the two choirs sang “God Bless America,” and Ramona Stewart, who also performed a solo piece, presented a brief history of the song.
The master of ceremonies for the event was be Mickey Evans, who has hosted the services since they were started.
“I am a veteran and a retired professional soldier, and having served a career in the U.S. Army, I know how important it is to be recognized for what we do for our country,” he said.
Jerry Nemec, a veteran of the Air Force, was very pleased to see “so many people and so many cars” at the event.
“My dad was in World War I, and I was in World War II,” he said. “I feel like my family always supported the government when they were in need, so it makes me proud to these people here.”
Some members of the audience attended the event in memory of veterans that had passed away.
“I’ve gone to this program just about every year they’ve had it. It’s very, very meaningful,” said Gwen Hardy, whose late husband Bob Hardy served in the Navy. “My husband was very patriotic, and this helps me remember him.”
The program was hosted by Rev. Ken Huggins, and Boy Scout Troop 114 served as greeters.
For more information about future programs, contact the HEARTS Veterans Museum at (936) 295-5959.
