Citizens pause to honor vets (30 May 2006)

By Joe Ruiz
Staff writer

BALLINGER — James Fowler says times might have changed from 1942, when he graduated from Ballinger High School, but the past still needs to be remembered and honored.

Monday, Fowler, a Navy veteran of World War II, viewed his brother Jesse’s name on one of five memorials near the flagpole at the Runnels County Courthouse. The memorials carry the names of local vets who died in combat.

“Most people these days go back to this culture or that culture. Well, this is my culture, and that’s what gets me through,” said Fowler of Ballinger. “It’s just something that should not ever be forgotten.”

Fowler and more than 60 people attended Monday morning’s Memorial Day service at the Runnels County Courthouse in downtown Ballinger, one of several across the Concho Valley to honor America’s fallen troops. Ballinger is about 35 miles northeast of San Angelo.

The service in the Runnels County seat, hosted by the American Legion, was led by the Rev. Kary Rawlings of Ballinger’s First Presbyterian Church.

“This is a day we remember those who have served and those who have fallen in service of our country,” Rawlings said to the crowd.

Fowler said the memorials and the ceremony made him think about his other relatives and friends who served with him in the South Pacific.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 430 of Ballinger started the service with a traditional flag ceremony. Three Scouts first lowered the American flag from the 20-foot pole and then raised it once more and dropped it to half-staff as veterans and others in attendance saluted.

Rawlings read two Psalms and led the crowd in two patriotic songs during the 25-minute ceremony.

She also led the crowd in a benediction that concluded with the Lord’s Prayer.

The morning’s service was an important day for Rawlings, who said she was glad the community could come together and honor those who died for their freedoms, but also to honor the veterans who were in attendance.

“We appreciate so much the sacrifice that has been made,” Rawlings said.