Laredo Independent School District observed Memorial Day during a somber ceremony Monday morning at the Memorial Middle School Gymnasium.
Memorial Middle School Principal Melissa Valdez welcomed the audience which consisted of local veterans and the school’s eighth grade class. MMS teacher Mr. Jose Cardenas served as Master of Ceremonies for this annual event.
The posting of the colors was provided by the J.W. Nixon High school JROTC directed by Lt. Col. Bennie Feagin. Adding to the patriotic ambiance was the music performed by the Memorial Middle School Band directed by Jose Zapata and Vanessa Rodriguez. The cadets also conducted a poignant Prisoners of War/Missing in Action ceremony.
Addressing the audience were LISD Board of Trustees Parliamentarian Goyo Lopez, LISD Superintendent Dr. Sylvia G. Rios, and keynote speaker retired educator and former U.S. Marine Dr. Juan Lira, who spoke of the personal sacrifices made by soldiers who paid the ultimate price.
Leading the roll call of Laredo soldiers who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam War, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and the Afghanistan War were Memorial Middle School students Angelina Talley, Joseph Paul, and Taylor Guzman. The Nixon ROTC cadets answered the call for the fallen soldiers.
A ceremonial red, white, and blue floral wreath was presented by the Trustees and Dr. Rios followed by the 21-Gun Salute conducted by the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and the Combined Law Enforcement Honor Guard. Retired LISD music teacher Bobby Lopez played the bugle call “Taps,” to signal the ceremony’s conclusion.
Following the ceremony, veterans were invited to enjoy a hospitality hosted by LISD and Memorial Middle School.