Citizens of Brown County paid honor and respect to those fallen in service to our country on Memorial Day.

Locally, military troops who made the ultimate sacrifice were honored in an annual service held at Eastlawn Memorial Park on Monday, May 30th.  During the ceremony, patriotic songs were sung, Taps was played, and a Memorial Day address was given by Chaplain James Looby, U.S. Navy, Retired.

Gold Star families were recognized and presented white carnations by VFW Auxiliary members.  Veterans of all wars were also recognized.

Veterans buried at Eastlawn and Greenleaf Cemeteries were also honored with placement of American flags at their gravesites.

Memorial Day is an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honoring men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally the day was Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.

Pictured above those attending stand respectfully as Brownwood High School student Jeffery Smith plays Taps.  Below are photos during and after the ceremony Monday morning.

Attendees join in prayer for those lost and their families along with those active in military service.

Gold Star Family of Lance Corporal Mario Castillo

Gold Star family of Corporal Craig Ledsome

Veterans attending the ceremony.

Chaplain Looby adresses the crowd.

Reverend Ernest Kirk sings hymns and offers a closing prayer.

Family members place flowers on the grave of Lance Corporal Mario Castillo.