Veterans Front And Center At Annual Central Texas Ceremony

WACO, Texas (FOX 44) – An annual event honoring a Central Texas veteran drew several other veterans to celebrate and remember.

Shirley Sims organized the annual Sims Veterans Ceremony at the Heart of Texas Federal Credit Union on Saturday (April 18, 2026). Ms. Sims, founder of the event, brings in veterans to remember and celebrate the life of her late husband, Marine Sergeant Louis Sims E-5, a Vietnam Veteran who was injured in the line of duty and passed away in 2015. Ms. Sims recalls her husband was awarded a Purple Heart and 26 medals in his time of service, and is honored to keep his legacy alive while honoring all veterans at the annual ceremony.

“He’s just a person that loves to share, to give happy. And he served this country,” Shirley said. “So I just see, and I give kudos to our servicemen who perform in harm’s way and thank them from the bottom of my heart. This is what I love doing.”

Ms. Sims has organized the annual Sims Veterans Ceremony since 2009.

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