HIGHLANDS Each year the local cemetery hosts a Memorial Day Service to honor those that served their country.
Sterling-White Funeral Home & Cemetery puts on a great program every year and we are honored to do it. said Jeff Moore after over 200 people attended services last Monday that exhibited a full compliment of features.
The services began with a procession of Crosby JROTC bringing for a Memorial Wreath at the Wall of Honor under the direction of Major Quinton Farr and Sergeant Tim Meadows. Two female students laid the wreath upon the Garden of Honor Memorial Stone as Captain Thomas Harper (retired) directed the raising of Old Glory and the Texas Flag.
Opening prayer was lead by Pastor Jerry Hovater of the Little Country Church in New Caney and now Crosby.
Two special guest speakers in uniform spoke during the services. U.S. Air Force Col. Mark McClelland spoke on the meaning of Memorial Day and its important to a free society and Leiutenant Col. Leth spoke on the flag of the Medal of Honor and the service of recipient David H. McNerney.
The sermon concerning Memorial Day was delivered by Pastor Hovator.
Don Guillory of the David H. McNerney American Legion Post 658 read the roll call of names of the servicemen laid to rest within Sterling-White Cemetery. Family members called out to acknowledge their attendance.
Taps was played professionally by Dana Read of New Orleans after having returned from a gig in New York City.
Pipe Major Tom OBrien of Texas Bagpipes played Amazing Grace as Janeen Scheider set doves flying before the memorial Stone of the Garden of Honor. Rev. Sam Purkhiser of Northeast Freeway Baptist Church a veteran of Iwo Jima and his wife sat near the stone. Iwo Jima cost 5,900 American Marine lives and 17,400 were wounded in the month and a week battle beginning in February 1945.
I would like to thank all of you for attending our Memorial Day Services. It is a great honor to serve you and your loved ones. I would also like to thank my staff for all their hard work and dedication, and a special thank you to all the local vendors who have contributed to this years services. said Funeral Director Moore.
During research it was discovered that this service in Highlands is one of few remaining funded by a single private enterprise source and not by governmental or municipal agencies.