Eastside Veterans Events celebrate service

Winning teams of the Cook-off For Veteran’s held Oct. 9 and 10 are displayed here with their trophies.

CROSBY – One has to wonder when the 11th hour on Nov. 11, 1918 tolled the end of fighting in the War to End All Wars how endless fighting would be throughout the rest of the 20th Century and into the 21st, but here, we set aside a time to recognise those that answered the calls to defend their country.

Last Friday and Saturday the David H. McNerney American Legion Post 658 and the Crosby Fairgrounds attracted volunteers from throughout the eastside of the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston to put together a series of special events for veterans. The incentive to recognise Veterans, as always, is that our freedoms are purchased on the service to our Country and the sacred honor of those that serve in uniforms. As the War on Terror draws to a close the need for continuity for respect for veterans seems evident.

The Eastside Veterans Celebration – Warriors Past and Present was accomplished by contributions of individuals like Richard Amador that had the vision, Connie Russell that made the quilt that drew so many raffle ticket purchasers, the Crosby Fair & Rodeo that donated the Fairgrounds, the American Legion Hall and numerous others but mostly by a greatful community that stands behind our country and fighting forces.

The parade on Saturday went into the quiet Nelson Subdivision for over a mile long but the public turned out in throngs to view the local specticals of vehicles, first responders and the many representatives of the armed forces. A substantial list of contributors and cooking teams was placed prominantly both within the American Legion Dining Hall and at the Fairgrouns Pavillion.

Opening ceremonies at the American Legion Hall brought special guest speaker Silver Star recepient Lt. Col. Rick Sauer to the podium to speak of the experience of those that serve and with Col. Sauer came others that served at Poli Doc, South Vietnam when Crosby David Mcnerney’s services netted him the Congressional Medal of honor.

Great men are those that answer great duty. This community contributed its sons to duty and affirm that service as sacred and honorable. Veterans Day recognised the end of fighting.