It’s not often that the Village of Salado gets to recognize its veteran community, but this Veterans Day, something new happened. Salado’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, in conjunction with Salado’s American Legion Post, put on a first-of-its-kind Veterans Day commemoration at the Veterans and First Responders Memorial on Main Street.

Drawing several dignitaries, including Constable Chris Bazar, Representative Brad Buckley, Bell County Commissioner Bobby Whitson, and Bell County ESD#1 and Salado Fire Chief Jim Franz, as well as many veterans and their families, this event was truly remarkable!

The VFW Post, which was incorporated in June of 2024, began planning this event in September in hopes of just introducing the Post to the local community. And the local community really showed up! The Salado FFA donated the wreath that was laid at the memorial. The Salado High School Band played the National Anthem. The Local Cub Scout Troop 1115 were the color guard and raised the flag. Finally, Muscovy Coffee Roasters provided coffee service.

Brian Pierce, a retired Army officer and the VFW Post’s Junior Vice Commander, started the event at 10:45. After welcoming everyone to the event, he cued the Cub Scouts to present and raise the flag. A small ensemble of the Salado High School Band, led by Blake Vajgert, then played the National Anthem. The Reverend Martin Akewe then delivered the invocation.

Annette Whittenberger, the Post’s Adjutant, then read a statement on behalf of the Post. Her proclamation laid the foundation for the commemoration, identifying this day as a day of remembrance for those who fought and returned home to a grateful nation, and reminding us to honor all veterans - past, present, and future - with the gratitude they so richly deserve.

Then Brandon McHenry, the commander of Salado’s American Legion Post, rose and introduced the keynote speaker for the event, the recently retired Brigadier General Jose D. Rivera.

In his speech, General Rivera highlighted a simple and powerful theme: Service to our Nation - Unified by Service. He went on to mention the oath of service, and the legacy of service that is so indelibly inked upon this community, this area, this state, and this country.

As moving as his speech was, the moment of silence and rendering of honors through the playing of Taps, brought tears to the eyes of some veterans, many remembering those fellow service members who did not make it home or who have since passed away. Taps sounded precisely and coincidentally at 11:11, a poignant echo of the origins of Veterans Day—first observed as Armistice Day—commemorating the moment the guns fell silent at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

When Taps was played, "I had to compose myself before continuing,” said Brian. "It always gets to me.”

Taps, originating from the Civil War, was used as a signal to conclude the end of the day. Later in 1862, it was first used at a military funeral. The tradition was formalized in 1891 when the U.S. Army officially adopted Taps for funerals and memorial services.

This was a major milestone of this fledgling Post. Newly incorporated in 2024, the Salado VFW has slowly and steadily grown. With an eye for service to the community and service to veterans, the Post works to find ways to live the motto of the VFW, to do more for veterans. Since its inception, the Post has hosted a music festival, served as a rally point for disaster relief, and partnered with the Cub Scouts for a Memorial Day event.