Community comes out to honor Vets

Marlin’s Annual Veterans Day event was held at the First Baptist Church of Marlin on the morning of Nov. 11. 

The event has been sponsored by the Falls County Historical Commission for a number of years, but Falls County American Legion Post 31 joined this year to make the event larger than ever, despite coronavirus restrictions. 

The event was called to order by Falls County Judge, Jay Elliott, who is a member of Post 31. FCHC President Trudie Asbury gave opening remarks, followed by a welcoming message from Fred Ormsby, Post 31 Commander. 

A Color Guard was performed by American Legion Post 31 members and the National Anthem was sung by local community advocate Cara Sue Albright. Pattie Kalmbach recited the America and Texas Pledges shortly after that.

Local Cowboy Poet, Jim Cathey, performed ‘Ragged Old Flag’ by Johnny Cash, stunning the crowd with his newest rendition.

Service flags were presented from the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

A brief history of Veterans Day was given by Elizabeth Nelson and Trudie Asbury following the reading of Stanley Cooper’s ‘The War to End All Wars’ by Rachel Wilson. 

Aleisha Miller then read ‘In a Flanders Field’ by John McCrae just before Jan Beltran and Stella each gave heartfelt tributes specifically to Falls County Veterans

Judge Elliott introduced SPEC Samuel L. Bryant (Ret), who spoke on the importance of Veterans Day and thanked those in attendance.

Instead of the normal plaque, Bryant received gifts of appreciation in the form of items from Marlin’s Antique Shops.