The Woodlands Township honors and remembers at Memorial Day event

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Residents and visitors of The Woodlands Township gathered to remember and honor lives lost in service to the United States during a special Memorial Day event at Town Green Park on Sunday, May 29, 2022.

More than 8,000 residents and visitors attended the event that was held from 5 to 9 p.m. at the park located on The Woodlands Waterway.

Township Vice Chairman Bruce Rieser, who spoke at the event, said, “This weekend, as we gather with our families and friends, it is vitally important that we recognize and honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms guaranteed to all by the United States Constitution. Without these courageous men and women, this great country would cease to exist as a free nation.”

Vice Chairman Rieser introduced keynote speaker Lt. Col. Dean A. Smith, Commander U.S. Air Force 341st Recruiting Squadron. Lt. Col. Smith leads a squadron of nine flights and 109 people across Texas and Louisiana, covering 125,000 square miles. He partners with military, civic, community and educational organizations to develop future Airmen and Guardians to deliver airpower anytime, anywhere for America.

Lt. Col. Smith entered the Air Force in 2004 after graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He has served in a variety of operations, intelligence, staff and cyber assignments.

Lt. Col. Smith introduced the “Our Community Salutes” Chairwoman, Liza Garza, and both recognized dozens of high school graduates who have enlisted in different branches of the United States military. Together, they told the story of the Challenge Coin and issued a coin to all the new recruits as well as administered the oath of service of serving the United States.

The event featured a moment of silence to remember and celebrate the lives of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom on the front lines. These courageous men and women will forever be remembered for their bravery and valor, who gave their all so that we can enjoy our freedoms here at home.

The evening featured live music by Level One Band and concluded with a dazzling fireworks display, presented by Woodforest National Bank, choreographed to a patriotic soundtrack.

Memorial Day in The Woodlands was produced by The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department and sponsored by Woodforest National Bank, Waste Management and The Howard Hughes Corporation®. For photos and other information about the event, please follow The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Facebook page at www.facebook.com/townshipparksandrec.

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