Kempner Mayor Gene Isenhour unveils the massive granite memorial recognizing veterans of the armed forces. More than 200 people -- including active military, veterans and local citizens -- gathered at the new Sylvia Tucker Memorial Park in Kempner on Veterans Day to dedicate the Veterans Memorial that honors military personnel.

Kempner Mayor Gene Isenhour began the ceremony with a moment of silence in recognition of the recent shootings at Fort Hood and gave a special thanks to the members of the 36th Engineer Brigade who attended the dedication. The brigade has partnered with the city on planning and development of the park. Many soldiers have volunteered in the design phase and construction of the park and memorial.

The 36th Brigade was the unit most affected by the Nov. 5 shootings, as four soldiers from the brigade died, and 11 were wounded in the recent rampage.

After the moment of silence, Maj. Scott Holden read from a list containing the names of the 12 soldiers and one civilian (a retired soldier) who were killed in the shootings.

PHOTOS BY MAT TAYLOR Taylor Creek Elementary fourth-grader Allison Kendrick sang the National Anthem at the memorial dedication at Sylvia Tucker Memorial Park. The Lampasas High School band played a number of patriotic songs, and Lampasas ISD fourthgrader Allison Kendrick sang the national anthem. Kempner VFW Post Chaplain Ken Shirley gave the invocation, and Boy Scout Troop 253 posted the colors.

Isenhour then unveiled the massive granite stone that reads: “To all veterans that have served in the armed forces of the United States during peace time and conflicts.

“To the mothers and fathers and families whose sons and daughters have made the supreme sacrifice.

“To those veterans who still suffer the wounds and ravages of war and to those missing and not yet home.

Members of the 36th Engineer Brigade from Fort Hood were on hand for the unveiling. They assisted in the design and construction of the memorial. “In order that we may continue to live in freedom in the greatest nation on earth, the United States of America, we the people of Kempner, Texas gratefully dedicate this monument.

“May their sacrifices never be forgotten.”

The memorial stands near the entrance to the park north of U.S. Highway 190 near Taylor Creek. Circling the monument is the Wall of Honor that contains engraved granite stones with the names of veterans living and dead, their branch of service and the years they served. The wall incorporates names of veterans of numerous wars, including one Civil War veteran.

Isenhour said persons who want to honor a service member still may purchase a stone by contacting the Kempner City Hall for more information.

In his dedication comments, the mayor emphasized the importance of Veterans Day -- honoring and remembering current and former members of the nation’s armed forces.

“There is no mystery behind the endurance and success of American liberty,” Isenhour said. “It is because in every generation from the revolutionary period to this very hour, brave Americans have stepped forward and served honorably in the armed forces of the United States.”

Following Isenhour’s presentation, Col. Kent Savre, commander of the 36th Engineer Brigade, noted those many individuals who made the park and memorial possible. He emphasized that without the mayor’s vision and efforts, the Kempner city park would not have become a reality.

The ceremony closed with a prayer by the Rev. Ben Bohmfalk, a 102-year-old World War II veteran, the oldest veteran who attended the dedication.