For a city still viewed in some parts as a small town, Tomball can certainly pull off patriotic ceremonies with the best of ‘em.

What is fast becoming an annual tradition, although an unofficial city event, the Wal Mart Veterans Day celebration featured nearly as much pomp, circumstance and civic pride as a federal ceremony at the National Mall.

The crowd may have been smaller, but the four or five dozen who were in attendance in the store’s main parking lot near the entrance, the Tomball High School band, choir and ROTC Drill Team not withstanding, witnessed a short, moving ceremony that was neither overly political nor short on humility.

Pictured, Don Price recites his presentation “That Old Ragged Flag” during the Nov. 11 Veterans Day Celebration at Wal Mart.

Photo by Brian Walzel

The ceremony began promptly at 10 a.m. with a formal presentation of the U.S. Flag and Texas Flag by the Tomball High School ROTC Drill Team, the National Anthem and the pledge and a prayer, led by Tomball VFW Post 2427 Chaplain and stalwart Franklin Stevens.

Seated in the 50-or-so folding chairs before a podium, and scattered around the outskirts, were dozens of men, some in motorized carts donning patches and pride from their service in World War II and the Korean War, and many others standing solemly by with a variety of logos that depicted their various affiliations in and since the Vietnam War.

“This is a day that we reflect on the freedoms that we enjoy,” VFW Post Commander Bill Shaffer said during his short presentation. “No city or small town is more thankful than Tomball.”

Those sentiments were echoed in speeches by Tomball Police Chief Rob Hauck, a veteran himself, Tomball Mayor Gretchen Fagan, who made mention of the numerous members of her family who have served in the military, and Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce President Bruce Hillegeist.

The afternoon’s most moving moment came when VFW member Don Price recited his now well-known presentation, “That Old Ragged Flag” to a standing ovation.

The Tomball High School band and choir joined the act, too, with near flawless renditions of several patriotic tunes. The school’s ROTC drill team was just as impressive with a marching routine.

The ceremony came to a fitting and haunting conclusion, as VFW Bugler Charlie Parker performed TAPS to complete silence.

With the military precision so many in the crowd had perfected, the ceremony ended promptly at 11 a.m., one hour after it began. After all, there was lunch to be had at the VFW, and many hugs, handshakes and “Thank You’s” to be given to those who gave so much.

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