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“Memorial Day is for the veterans that didn’t come home, We’re here for them.”
— Chief Bob Prendergast honors and remembrance ceremonies.
Three-volley salute, taps played by Bastrop vets
BASTROP — The Bastrop County Veterans Honor Guard (BCVHG) drew a crowd May 22 and paid respects to fallen service members with a special Memorial Day ceremony.
The honors, held at Silver Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, featured a three-volley salute using M1 Garands and the playing of taps. Bastrop Mayor Ishmael Harris said the holiday carries weight beyond the long weekend.
“It is a time for memory, time for honor and a time for paying homage,” Harris said.
The BCVHG is a volunteer organization made up of veterans from multiple U.S. military branches, certified by the Department of War to provide military honors for veterans and their families in Bastrop County and surrounding areas.
The three-volley salute traces its roots to Civil War battlefield traditions, according to officials, when opposing armies temporarily paused fighting to recover fallen soldiers and the wounded.
“Memorial Day is for the veterans that didn’t come home,” Chief Bob Prendergast said. “We’re here for them.”
Commander John Hobbs said the group is dedicated to continuing its service to the community through military funeral
“We conduct the most solemn ceremony that I can imagine,” Hobbs said.
The organization relies on volunteers, donations and community support to carry out its mission. Hobbs said the honor guard is actively recruiting veterans willing to commit to serving with the group.
“To give back to the community is paramount,” Hobbs said. “We all served, but we’re not done serving.”
