Hundreds of community members gathered on May 25 at the Harris County War Memorial, 3535 War Memorial Drive in Houston, to recognize and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation.

The ceremony hosted by Harris County Precinct 4 featured remarks from Daniel Rodriguez, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Chief Operations Officer at Harris County Precinct 4; Mia Garcia, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and executive director of Texas Veterans Network at Combined Arms; Leo Elwood, U.S. Army veteran and chief of staff at the Harris County Office of Managed Assigned Counsel; and Father Miguel Solorzano, pastor at St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church in Katy. The pledges of allegiance to the U.S. and Texas flags were led in both English and Spanish by Ana Lucia Briones, Louna Garza, and Croix Lindsey. The program also included a wreath ceremony by the Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Color Guard, a 21-gun salute, and the playing of Taps by VFW Post 9182 of Katy.

Established in 1985, the Harris County War Memorial stands as a lasting tribute to the men and women of Harris County who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War I and conflicts that followed. Each year, Commissioner Lesley Briones and her staff hold this ceremony as a time for reflection, remembrance, and unity to honor their sacrifice and service to the nation.