This rainy, cold, Saturday morning, we woke at 5 am to make a trip to Driscoll, Texas (our hometown) to attend the 1st Annual Remembrance Ceremony for two fallen Driscoll Soldiers that was long overdue. My Brother, Jesse Aleman's goal for many years had been to someday be able to honor our first cousin, PFC Leonel Aleman who was killed in action in the Korean War in 1950 and his schoolmate, SFC Richard Garcia who went missing in action in the Vietnam War in 1971. After a lot of hard work and encountering many dead ends because of government officials not wanting to help in his process, TODAY, he accomplished his long time dream. Yes, TODAY, PFC Leonel Aleman was honored, 60 years after he gave his life for our Country and SFC Richard Garcia was also honored, 40 years after he went missing in action and remains missing. This was a very emotional and touching ceremony. Our hearts went out to these two Gold Star Families.....it was a beautiful ceremony. I will share some pictures of this very Special Event in Driscoll, even though some of my pictures are not real clear.....Enjoy!
PFC Leonel Aleman was not even 20 years old when he was killed in Korea. He was the oldest of 5 children. He was our First Cousin. He proudly served!
SFC Richard Garcia was also under 20 years when he went MIA. He was the fourth of 5 children. His metals speak a million words. He also served proudly.
Leonel died the year I was born, so I did not know him but my Mom & Dad spoke very highly of him. He wanted to serve Our Country so he joined the Army.
Richard went through elementary, junior high and some high school with my brother and I. He wanted to serve Our Country so he joined the Army.
Today, these two Soldiers were honored as Heroes! What a wonderful event this was.
The Gold Star Families:
Gilbert & Debbie Garcia, Richard's older brother. Tina, Esperanza, and Homer Aleman. Esperanza & Homer are Leonel's younger siblings.
Sad memories but at the same time, so proud!
Special Guests and speakers at this event.
The Veterans Band, lead by Ram Chavez. All Veterans so honored to play military music at events like this.
This Band has been together for 25 years, play at Veterans' events everywhere, even The White House.
Part of the Color Guard....
Jesse Aleman, Organizer of the Event. Deacon Rey Jasso, Invocation. He is my brother in law.
John Aguilar, Driscoll Mayor. Loyd Neal, Nueces County Judge.
Jim Kaelin, Nueces County Judge. Dr. Enrique Aleman, Associate Professor/Univ. of Utah. He is my nephew.
Ram Chavez, Keynote Speaker and Leader of the Band.
Mr. Chavez announces that a Wall Of Heroes will be constructed in Corpus Christi and The Coastal Bend.
The Gold Star Families and the Color Guard.
Folding of the U. S. Flag. It is folded 13 times....with a description of each fold.
A dedication to the Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force....Table of Remembrance.
Flag is set by the memorabilia of the Fallen Soldiers.
They introduced the Driscoll Korean War Veterans present....
They also introduced the Vietnam War Veterans present.
They added the non-war veterans and present soldiers. We are so thankful to ALL Veterans.
A better picture since some faces were blocked above.
The music played throughout the ceremony was just beautiful. Thank you to all the Band Members!
A reception was held after the ceremony....
My Cousin, Homer Aleman.....a moment of reflection.
David Tijerina (I went to school with him, too) and my brother in law, Henry Aleman.
Manuel and Ramiro Garcia, my brother in law.
My niece, Bea, a friend, and my sister, Josie.
A look back at the audience. The room was pretty packed...good turn out even when the weather is so bad.
This was an awesome event. I knew it would be nice but it was better than I imagined!
It was so nice to see so many friends here.
My sister, Dolores & My Cousin, Esperanza & my sister, Alma and myself.
Mr. Chavez and Victor Gutierrez, Jr.
Gilbert Garcia and Robert Esparza. They are two good; they both played HS Football for the Bishop Badgers.
My Brother and Alonzo Garza.
Robert Rodriguez and My Brother.
My Nephew, Dr. Enrique Aleman. We are all ready to go eat!!
Drove to Robstown, TX. Joe Cotten's BBQ is the Best in South Texas!
A huge PIG!
Ed, is there such thing as an Oreo Pig??!!
We were a group of 16 so we had a little wait but it was nice to visit as we waited.
Henry Aleman, Jesse Aleman, and Manuel.
I am so proud of what my brother has accomplished today. Just awesome!
They got their food quick!!
mmmmmm..
While we wait and we wait....must be Manuel holding up the food delivery since he ordered NO MEAT!!!!
My Brother, Jesse and his wife, Berta! Great Job!!! Love you!
My brother continues with one more project....to honor Our 2 Driscoll Heroes. More later when that happens. Hope we don't keep you waiting too long on that one.
