By MARTHA McCLAIN
Special to the PRESS
Laguna Vista’s Veterans Memorial Park stands in quiet stillness at dusk earlier this week while the park’s lights beautifully illuminate its centerpiece monument. (Staff photo by Ray Quirgoa)
The Laguna Vista community will observe Memorial Day on Monday to commemorate the men and women in the US military who gave their lives in defense of their country, and to honor all veterans who have served.
In what has become an annual event, the “Always Honor, Never Forget” parade down FM 510 is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. at the Laguna Vista Library.
“We encourage everyone to decorate their golf carts, vehicles, bikes, boats and trailers for the parade,” City Manager Rolando Vela said. A police escort will lead the parade to the Veterans Memorial Park where the parade will conclude.
The ceremony starts at 4:30 p.m. at the Memorial and will feature various speakers and the performance of Taps. It is located between Taylor Avenue and Santa Isabella Blvd
Engraved bricks to honor the service of all veterans have been installed at the Memorial and may be purchased on Memorial Day at the site. The bricks measure 8 by 8 inches and cost $50.
Space allows for 750 bricks to be placed in the park.
Certain guidelines for wording on the bricks will have been imposed to ensure respectful tributes. Veterans may purchase the bricks, or non-veterans can buy a brick to honor a friend or loved one. Wording on the brick could include the name, military rank, branch of service and possibly the war or campaign in which the honoree served.
The brick tribute was initiated by the Laguna Vista Parks Board, which recommended implementation of the plan to the Town Council. Brick may also be purchased by calling Laguna Vista City Hall at 943-1297.
The Memorial is one of the recently upgraded Town parks in the $1.5 million certificates of obligation program over the past year.
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