LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – National Medal of Honor Day celebrates the courage and sacrifice of those who earned the nation’s most prestigious military decoration.
Lubbock VFW Post 2466 is hosting a memorial event at the Monument of Courage to recognize 13 West Texas Medal of Honor recipients and commemorate service members who have died during Operation Epic Fury.
“We hear the adage freedom isn’t free and what the cost of freedom is and it’s not just a saying to us, it’s something that we feel and it’s something we understand,” Sarah Weede, Lubbock VFW Post 2466 commander, said.
Veteran advocates from across the South Plains are recognizing the gallantry and service of 13 West Texas men who received the Medal of Honor. The recipients served in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam.
“They went above and beyond the call of duty. In some cases, if you read the stories or the medal citation, you’ll see they had ultimate courage. They knew what was ahead of them but they also knew what was behind them and that was their brothers and sisters,” Weede said.
This year’s event will commemorate the 13 service members who have died during Operation Epic Fury. Weede said the recognition hits close to home.
“I personally served with one that passed on the KC-135 that crashed. As she came through the combat training squadron in Warner Robins, Georgia at Robins Air Force Base, I got to see her as a brand new lieutenant coming in and I got to watch her grow as she went into our operational squadrons and later came back as an instructor in the combat training squadron with me,” Weede said.
Weede said the stories of Medal of Honor recipients and fallen service members are meant to be told and highlighted. She said she appreciates Lubbock for the veteran community it has become.
“Even though there are those that have maybe not put on the uniform, they still support our veterans and they support our military. Having that camaraderie and having that pride to come together and pay tribute and honor our Medal of Honor recipients or those who we have recently lost is something everyone should look forward to,” Weede said.
The memorial is set for 7:13 p.m. at the Monument of Courage in Huneke Park near 82nd and Quaker. Those who cannot attend are encouraged to leave their porch light on, beginning at the same time, in recognition of service members’ sacrifice.
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