Los Fresnos Celebrates Memorial Day

by Debra Badeaux

Memorial Day in Los Fresnos was a beautiful partly cloudy day that was accompanied by cool breezes. Los Cuates Cemetery was the setting for the Community of Los Fresnos as it held their Memorial Day Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. Monday morning.

The Ceremony was organized by Ms. Locha Gonzales and Commander Sam Guess both of the American Legion Moses Whitlock Post #632. Los Fresnos, Texas. The Ceremony began with opening remarks from M.C. and former Honorable Judge Ramon “Ray” Ortiz.

The Invocation was led by Msgr. Pedro Briseno, Pastor of Saint Cecilia’s church in Los Fresnos. The Welcome was led by Commander Sam Guess. The presentation of colors was presented by the Boy Scout Troop #61 under the direction of Mr. Terence Schraut. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by 4 year old Rene Gonzalez, Jr.

The Guest speaker was Officer Edgar Hernandez, a POW during the Operation Iraqi Freedom 2000-2007. Officer Hernandez a member of the United States Army shared his POW experience with those attending the ceremony. Officer Hernandez is now a Police officer with the Pharr police department. Officer Hernandez as well as Commander Guess, both reminded us that “Freedom is not Free”.

A roll call of 126 Local Departed Military Personnel were announced, as a response was given for each of the Departed Service Men by retired Air Force Veteran Master Sargent Merced Burnias, Sr. The firing squad was conducted by Precinct 4 Cameron County Deputy Constables under the command of Constable Merced Burnias, Jr. The TAPS was played by 13 year old David Arredondo, a 7th grader at Resaca Middle School and the Son of Juan and Maria Arredondo. After the ceremony all attending were invited to a reception that was hosted by Commander Sam Guess, his staff and friends at the American Legion Post #632.