AUSTIN — Today Texas Land Commissioner and Chairman of the Veterans Land Board George P. Bush hosted a virtual Memorial Day ceremony in honor of our military men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. 

The ceremony featured Retired U.S. Navy Four-Star Admiral William McRaven as the keynote speaker and remarks by Veterans Land Board Chairman George P. Bush. A wreath-laying ceremony and a performance of “Taps” were conducted over live stream from our Central Texas Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. 

"Memorial Day is a day to think about how we can honor our Veterans through more than words but with action and service day after day," said Chairman George P. Bush. "At the Land Office, we celebrate our Veterans every single day and we've raised awareness around the challenges that the 1.8 million Veterans have in the state of Texas - whether its transitioning into civilian life or dealing with mental health challenges and coming forward with practical solutions."

"Everything great and noble and honorable in this world is worth sacrificing for and today, Memorial Day, we remember all those who gave everything so that the rest of us could live in freedom and strive for peace," said Admiral McRaven. "All those who are buried at local cemeteries - state and national cemeteries, and a section 60 at Arlington, their sacrifice is a clarion call to all of us who remain."

Honoring our Heroes 

Although we as Texans are walking through unprecedented times, it is our utmost desire to ensure our Texas Veterans remain our top priority and are remembered for the sacrifices they have made. We are thankful to have the opportunity to gather together (virtually) today to honor our Veterans despite the unusual look of our current days. No matter what we as Texans face, we always have a reason to be thankful: our servicemembers.