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Veterans moved to tears at early Magnolia celebration
  
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By TANA ROSS
Several Magnolia area veterans were moved to tears Nov. 8 when the Magnolia Historical Society presented its first “Celebrating Our Veterans” at the historical depot on Melton Street.
Joe Thompson of The Woodlands who served in the U.S. Navy from 1962-66 said he just had to come for the ceremonies.
“This is a little town and a little ceremony, but is means more than I can say,” the longtime member of the Veterans Bikers said as he wiped away his tears. “I thank the citizens of Magnolia for this.”
Another Vietnam veteran, Herbert Bundage who was born and raised in Magnolia, spoke of his neighbors and the afternoon’s observance.
“It means people really care for the guys that sacrificed to defend this country,” he said. “It’s a good feeling to know that they care.”
World War II and Korean War veteran Bob Ray said the Veterans Day salute was an honor, but even after all these years he deferred any personal recognition.
“It makes me feel very good,” he said. “But it was the people who stayed at home on rations and building ships who won the war. We were just the delivery boys.”
Ray served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-48 and was called back into active duty in 1950 to serve in what was then called the Korean Conflict. He mustered out in 1952.
Montgomery County Pct. 2 Commissioner Craig Doyal was the guest speaker for the event. He drew a parallel between those who stood at the Alamo, the veterans present, and those who will serve in the military in the future. Doyal challenged everyone to uphold freedom and serve in some way.
“They fought and some gave the ultimate price for freedom,” he said. “You may not be asked to give your life but at some point in time you will have to take a stand for what you believe. I hope you stand for freedom as these did and others will do for us.”
Doyal recognized Celeste Gaves, secretary-treasurer of the Magnolia Historical Society, for her part in organizing the event. Music was provided by the Celebration Choir of the First Baptist Church of Magnolia along with Kyle Fontenot and Gloria Poratta. The Magnolia Naval Junior ROTC presented colors and Boy Scout Troop 1114 lead the pledges of allegiance.
Joe Thompson of The Woodlands who served in the U.S. Navy from 1962-66 said he just had to come for the ceremonies.
“This is a little town and a little ceremony, but is means more than I can say,” the longtime member of the Veterans Bikers said as he wiped away his tears. “I thank the citizens of Magnolia for this.”
Another Vietnam veteran, Herbert Bundage who was born and raised in Magnolia, spoke of his neighbors and the afternoon’s observance.
“It means people really care for the guys that sacrificed to defend this country,” he said. “It’s a good feeling to know that they care.”
World War II and Korean War veteran Bob Ray said the Veterans Day salute was an honor, but even after all these years he deferred any personal recognition.
“It makes me feel very good,” he said. “But it was the people who stayed at home on rations and building ships who won the war. We were just the delivery boys.”
Ray served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-48 and was called back into active duty in 1950 to serve in what was then called the Korean Conflict. He mustered out in 1952.
Montgomery County Pct. 2 Commissioner Craig Doyal was the guest speaker for the event. He drew a parallel between those who stood at the Alamo, the veterans present, and those who will serve in the military in the future. Doyal challenged everyone to uphold freedom and serve in some way.
“They fought and some gave the ultimate price for freedom,” he said. “You may not be asked to give your life but at some point in time you will have to take a stand for what you believe. I hope you stand for freedom as these did and others will do for us.”
Doyal recognized Celeste Gaves, secretary-treasurer of the Magnolia Historical Society, for her part in organizing the event. Music was provided by the Celebration Choir of the First Baptist Church of Magnolia along with Kyle Fontenot and Gloria Poratta. The Magnolia Naval Junior ROTC presented colors and Boy Scout Troop 1114 lead the pledges of allegiance.
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