On December 14th, 2024, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas held an observance of National Wreaths Across America at Greenleaf Cemetery in Brownwood. I had the honor of being one of the guest speakers.

I spoke on “THE OATH” that is recited prior to entering the military and at subsequent re-enlistments. I would like to point out a couple of interesting facts about “THE OATH”: There is NO END DATE. When I enlisted in the United States Air Force the day I said “THE OATH” was November 11th, 1982, this is my start date. No end date was mentioned. “THE OATH” has NO EXPIRATION DATE. “THE OATH” is NEVER ENDING.  Sgt. Mann who is our local Marine Corp. recruiter said it best: “YOU JUST DON’T RECITE THE OATH, YOU ETCH IT INTO YOUR SOUL”.

Greenleaf Cemetery is one the historic Cemeteries locally. There are nearly 2,000 veterans buried there. And all of them recited “THE OATH”. After the ceremony, myself, Post #196 Adjutant John Miller and Carole Smith, who is a close relative of Isham A. Smith went to the Zephyr Cemetery and located the grave site of Isham A. Smith. American Legion Post #196 is named after Isham A. Smith. He was the first Brown County resident killed in World War l. It was humbling and an honor to place a wreath at the headstone of Isham A. Smith. After a brief prayer, I thanked him for his service and for saying “THE OATH”.

I would like to take this opportunity to provide an update on American Legion Post #196. We will now be holding our monthly meetings at The Union Presbyterian Church which is located at 700 Fisk Avenue. We are very thankful to the Union Presbyterian Church for allowing the Post to meet in their Fellowship Hall. The Post’s meetings will continue to be the second Tuesday of month, the meal will be at 1800 hours followed by the meeting at 1900 hours. We invite all Veterans to our monthly meetings. As a reminder, If you are a Veteran and in need of assistance, please reach out to the local VA clinic here in Brownwood, Texas Veterans Commission – Sean Lewis at 1600 Burnett, Brownwood and Brown County Veterans Service Office also located at 1600 Burnett,
Brownwood.

LET NO VETERAN FEEL ALONE
Yesterday we served our country, Today we serve our Community.