On Nov. 11, residents from Tomball and surrounding communities came out to commemorate Veteran’s Day at an event honoring those who served their country at the Tomball Wal-Mart.

 More than a hundred people attended the ceremony held in the garden area of the Wal-Mart, including members of local Veterans of Foreign Wars posts, retired veterans from World War II, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan and even a Pearl Harbor survivor.

Local civic leaders such as Tomball Mayor Gretchen Fagan and Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce President Bruce Hillegeist spoke at the ceremony about the importance of recognizing veterans for their unselfishness and immeasurable service to the country.

Local students read poems they had written about the holiday, praising the “heroes” of the armed services who give their life to protect freedom and encouraging people to remember how important family is amidst all the conflict going on in the world.

Photos by Holly Dutton

After WWII veteran and local VFW member Charles Parker played taps to close the event, cake and refreshments were served to all who attended.

Magnolia resident Sybil Ellis was overcome with emotion after the proceedings when she tearfully thanked 92-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor and WWII veteran K.D. McDougald for his service to the country.

Ellis said she has had several family members serve in the military and came out to support them.

“I just can’t believe what’s going on in the world today,” she said. “What these people fought for, we’re losing it.”

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