SAN ANTONIO – (May 25, 2026) – Fred Brock American Legion Post 828 held its annual Memorial Day ceremony at the post’s event center to honor those men and women who lost their lives serving the nation.
Delivering opening remarks was the Hon. Gina Ortiz Jones, mayor of San Antonio, who asked all who served in the military to repeat the oath of office.
The keynote speaker was retired U.S. Army Col. Rev. Dr. Kenneth R. Kemp, pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.
“Today, we come together to again remember those who have worn the uniform of the United States military, as Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and Guardians, who have died while performing their duty to this nation,” said Kemp. “It is interesting to note that sometimes we get caught up in the barbecues, the picnics, the cold drinks and the day off and forget that we pause this day, during this time, to remember those who died so that we might live.”
According to Kemp, he is very aware of the sacrifices brave servicemembers and their families have made to preserve the nation’s way of life.
“Those of us who have been in it, understand it to some degree, but only those Gold Star families, the mothers who have lost sons and daughters, the sweethearts who have lost spouses and fiancés, the siblings who have lost brothers and sisters, and the children who have lost fathers and mothers, only they truly know what it means.”
During the ceremony, 1st Vice Commander Billy Hill read the names of the post Legionnaires who entered Post Everlasting: Douglas Allen, E. E. Brown, George W. Brown, Otis J. Brown, Kendra Dunlap, Ira M. Hall, Barry J. Major, Thadius A. Parrish, Clarence E. Thompson, Remus D. Woodard and William E. Woods. Afterwards all stood for the sounding of taps.
After the benediction by Chaplain Patricia Wimberly, Post Commander Amanda Parham expressed her appreciation for everyone’s attendance.
“Thank you all for gathering here today to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation,” said Parham. “Today, we stand together in gratitude, reflection and patriotism as we pay tribute to our fallen heroes and support the families they left behind.”
Afterwards, all were invited to a BBQ luncheon sponsored by the post.
