Tomball salutes its veterans

Tomball salutes its veterans

Today is a good day to be a Cougar, and a better day to be a veteran. On Nov. 11th, the country takes time to celebrate the men and women who have served in uniform.

Tomball commemorated its veterans today in a blocked off section of the Wal-Mart parking lot, where a program was held to honor these individuals. The school’s fourth-period band class, or the Wind Ensemble, was present, as well as four proud color guard students, including color guard commander Hayley Beebe, who presented the American and Texas flags.

Many veterans could be seen in the seats, saluting their nation’s flag during the Nation Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance.

Tomball mayor Gretchen Fagan stood to give a quick “Thank You” before hurrying off to a meeting to which she was apologetically late.

Next, Don Price, a veteran who moved the hearts of the audience as he gave his presentation, a tribute to the American flag, which was met with nodding heads and a few tear-filled eyes. He spoke of his time in Vietnam, and his recent struggle with brain cancer, which he beat, and now is currently dealing with cancer in his kidney.  When praised for his passionate words, he said “I mean it” with a serious gleam in his eyes.

Many stories were shared by the veterans in attendance, all met with similar responses. One Army vet in particular, Robert S. Hauck, who is Tomball’s Chief of Police, spoke of his pride in his country, and Tomball specifically, for how often the town recognizes the people who have served in the military.

“Many places only do this a few days out of the year,” he said. “In Tomball, we celebrate our veterans 365 days a year.”

All in all, it was a moving ceremony. From the men and women who are serving, to those who have passed on, nobody was forgotten by Tomball’s citizens today.  Tears could be seen in the eyes of most as Taps was played, and as war vet Steve Allison recited “A Soldier Died Today,” a moving piece about the unsung soldiers lost in battle.

He later went on to thank the THS band profusely for their attendance, and gave them praise for all of the “hard work with little recognition” that they do.