By J. Lyn Carl, GalleryWatch.com
Austin, TX –
Texas today honored its "fallen heroes" killed in the global war on terrorism with a memorial ceremony in the chamber of the Texas House of Representatives.
The ceremonies were attended by Gov. Rick Perry, Secretary of State Roger Williams, members of the Texas House and Senate, state elected officials, members of the state judiciary and family members of Texas military men and women who lost their lives in the war.
House Speaker Tom Craddick called those remembered "fearless individuals who gave their lives protecting the freedom of this country and their loved ones," saying Texans "will never forget these courageous men and women."
Perry saluted veterans and family members of fallen military men and women. "I say thank you on behalf of every Texan," he said.
"Our hearts are torn with sorrow for the heroes lost, and pride for the way they lived their lives," said the governor. He noted that although those who died were from different backgrounds and heritages, "They were united by a deep love for this nation and her people and an enduring commitment to the freedom we cherish...no matter the cost."
Noting the "sheer magnitude" of their sacrifice is difficult to comprehend, Perry quoted a Bible verse from the book of John: "Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for a friend."
"I want you to know that the people of this state weep with you," he said to family members of fallen Texans. "We count each of those tears as precious because they are shed for someone who showed us the greatest love possible. Know that their legacy will live on in the hearts of the people who have been liberated."
"Freedom is a precious commodity purchased at a great price."
Perry said many of those Texans who have died in service to their country were in the prime of their lives and left spouses, parents and children "who will never again be the same because of the sacrifice they have made.
"The freedom they have died for always must be cherished. The protectors must always be remembered."
Perry promised that the state and nation will always honor the service of military men and women, adding, "We will never forget their sacrifice." He added that the state and nation will honor that sacrifice by "standing for freedom wherever that freedom is thirsted for. No greater tribute can be given to our fallen heroes than that."
In a solemn moment, members of the Texas House and Senate read off the names of Texas military men and women who gave their lives in the global war on terrorism.
The reading of the names included presentation of Texas flags by Perry to family members of the fallen military men and women.
Following a moment of silence for the fallen Texans, the ceremony ended with a canon salute outside the State Capitol and a military bugler's playing of "Taps" from the gallery above the House floor.