Veterans Day Ceremony Honors Service Members at Fairmount Cemetery

SAN ANGELO, TX — A Veterans Day ceremony Wednesday at Historic Fairmount Cemetery honored U.S. military veterans past and present, with a keynote address from Col. Robert Watkins, deputy commander of the 17th Training Wing at Goodfellow Air Force Base.

“Look across the rows of headstones. Look at the hundreds of American flags gently blowing in the West Texas wind,” Watkins told the crowd. “Beneath those flags, resting in this earth, are generations of patriots who answered the call of duty.” 

He highlighted the service of 1st Lt. Jack Mathis, San Angelo’s Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, and praised the city’s long partnership with Goodfellow, which began when local leaders provided land for the base in 1940.

Beth Uherik, president of the Friends of Fairmount, welcomed attendees and traced the holiday’s history. 

“In 1954, following World War II, Congress amended the law to replace armistice with veterans, making November 11th the day to honor all American veterans,” she said. “It is a privilege and a blessing to honor our veterans, past and present.”

Police Chief Travis Griffith delivered the opening prayer, saying, “I think it’s important to have an attitude of gratitude for those that have come before us and that are currently serving.” 

Tom Green County Judge Lane Carter offered the closing prayer, asking that current service members be given “the power, will, and strength to be able to protect us and our nation from all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

Eva Horton, a former Fairmount Cemetery board member, provided a historic spotlight, noting the cemetery holds veterans from every major U.S. conflict and encouraging families to ensure loved ones are properly identified as veterans. 

“It’s simply a phone call to the cemetery office,” she said.

The program also included the raising of the colors by the San Angelo Police Department Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Tom Green County Sheriff Nick Hanna, the national anthem by Latosha Walker of the Navy Detachment Choir, an artillery firing and three-volley salute by Fort Concho Living History, and musical performances by Dorothy Douthit, including “Amazing Grace,” taps and a closing medley.

The Friends of Fairmount thanked volunteers who placed flags on veterans’ graves and helped stage the event.