Sun City Memorial Day Ceremony — May 25, 2026

Honoring Those Who Gave Their Lives for Freedom

This Memorial Day ceremony at the Williamson County Veterans Memorial in Georgetown, Texas, was a solemn tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. The event began at 9:30 a.m. and was emceed by Diane Klutz, PhD, Chair of the Veterans Memorial Advisory Group.

The Meaning of Memorial Day

Dr. Klutz opened the ceremony by connecting America's past, present, and future as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. She shared the often-overlooked origins of Memorial Day, which actually began in 1783—immediately following the Revolutionary War—in a Connecticut town where citizens gathered to celebrate independence and honor those who gave their lives. The event was called "The Great Jubilee Day" and featured parades, speeches, prayers, and the laying of wreaths. That town later changed the celebration to Memorial Day, holding it on May 26th. This tradition has continued for 243 years.

Dr. Klutz emphasized that Memorial Day is a time when Americans set aside political differences to affirm their remembrance and promise that generations to come will honor those who sacrificed their lives for freedom. She reminded attendees that the price of liberty is not measured in money, time, or material things, but rather in lives given.

Keynote Address: Stories of Local Heroes

Retired Major General Patrick Hamilton, who served 35 years in the Texas Army National Guard and commanded the 36th Infantry Division from 2018 to 2021, delivered a powerful keynote address focused on remembering the sacrifice of local heroes from the Georgetown area.

First Lieutenant Charles Woody McCook

General Hamilton began with the story of Lt. McCook, whose remains were recovered in Burma just last year and positively identified through DNA testing after being reported missing in World War II. McCook grew up in Georgetown, attended Southwestern University, and had a bright future ahead—likely playing football and preparing for a promising life. When war came, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces and flew bombers in Burma.

During a mission, his plane was hit. According to two surviving crew members, Lt. McCook told them to get out while he controlled the plane long enough for them to escape before it went down. He sacrificed his life so others could live. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal posthumously. General Hamilton reflected that McCook would have had a limitless future as an American citizen, but instead gave up his life for his crew and his country.

Captain Henry Waskow

Born in Belton, Texas—just 30 miles from Georgetown—Captain Waskow was one of eight children of German immigrants. A studious young man determined to better himself, he worked his way through college, even joining the Texas National Guard's 36th Division to receive an extra dollar per month in drill pay to help fund his education at Trinity University.

When World War II began, Waskow deployed with the 36th Infantry Division, which became the first combat division to set foot on the European continent in October 1943 at Salerno—before D-Day. By December, he was a company commander deeply loved by his men, engaged in fierce fighting at San Pietro, Italy.

War correspondent Ernie Pyle was embedded with the company and witnessed what happened. When German artillery began falling, Captain Waskow yelled for everyone to get down, ensuring his men were safe before taking cover himself. He was struck and killed instantly. Pyle wrote a famous story called "The Death of Captain Waskow," describing the tender care with which the soldiers brought their captain's body down from the mountain and how every member of the company filed past to pay final tribute.

Captain Waskow's mother said Henry wanted nothing more than to stay in Belton and do great things for his community. He was killed on December 14th, but military leadership delayed family notifications until after Christmas. Mrs. Waskow wasn't notified until December 29th. She said she knew during Christmas that something had happened to him. Heartbroken, she died six days later. Captain Waskow is buried in a cemetery in Italy.

Staff Sergeant Eli Lamar Whiteley

The third hero, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient and Texas A&M graduate, grew up in Georgetown. After studying agriculture and working for the agricultural extension service to help local farmers, Whiteley enlisted when war came. He served with the 3rd Infantry Division in southern France.

As a platoon leader, he led his men from building to building, taking out German positions. One heavily fortified building required extraordinary courage. Whiteley grabbed a bazooka, blew a hole in the wall, and charged in. He killed five Germans and captured twelve—all while having been shot through the arm, completely losing its use. Holding his machine gun with a strap under his disabled arm, he entered the building and was shot again, this time losing an eye.

Despite these catastrophic wounds, SSG Whiteley continued fighting through two more buildings until the Germans surrendered that section. His actions epitomized the selfless courage of those who serve.

The Constitutional Oath and What We Fight For

General Hamilton reminded everyone that all who serve—past, present, and future—swear the same oath. It is not an oath to a flag or to a president, but to the Constitution of the United States of America. That single document ensures all freedoms and makes America different from any country in the world.

Service members fight so their families can live in freedom, worship freely, and not be judged by the color of their skin or religion but by their character. They fight so Americans can succeed or fail based on individual effort and confidence. The Constitution guarantees these rights more solidly than any other nation, and that's what every fallen hero fought for.

The Urgent Call to Remember

General Hamilton delivered a passionate challenge to the audience: we must remember these people and teach our children about their sacrifices. While this community does an exceptional job of remembrance, many communities across the country do not. Young people today often have no understanding of the sacrifices made for the freedoms they enjoy.

He shared a striking example from France, where he attended the 105th anniversary of the Battle of Saint-Étienne—the 36th Infantry Division's first battle in World War I. In a tiny French town of just 200 people, 336 American soldiers from the division were killed in brutal fighting.

When General Hamilton arrived 105 years later, the townspeople had placed 336 American flags around the church—one for each fallen soldier. The French people, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all still remember who sacrificed for their freedom in that battle.

He contrasted this with America, noting that because our nation has never been invaded, our children don't truly understand what's at stake. While he prays America is never invaded, he pleaded with the audience: tell your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren about the sacrifices American citizens made so they can have the freedoms and opportunities they enjoy today. Don't let their memories fade.

Honoring Gold Star Families

One of the most moving portions of the ceremony honored Gold Star families—those who have lost loved ones in military service. The emcee explained that while Memorial Day is one day each year dedicated to remembering those who died for freedom, for Gold Star families, every day is Memorial Day.

The term originated during World War I when military families displayed service flags with a blue star for each immediate family member serving. When that person died in war, the star changed to gold and remained in the window—a visible reminder of the ultimate sacrifice.

This tradition continues today. Since 9/11, more than 7,000 service members have lost their lives in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Just within the past four months (as of May 2026), 13 soldiers were killed during overseas operations, adding more gold stars to American windows.

All Gold Star families present were invited to stand and were recognized with heartfelt gratitude from everyone in attendance. Wreaths were placed at the memorial wall in their honor.

Ceremony Elements

The formal ceremony included deeply meaningful elements:

• Presentation of the Colors by American Legion Post 228 Color Guard, reminding attendees of the flag for which so many died

• National Anthem performed by the 36th Infantry Division Ceremonial Band

• Invocation asking for protection of those currently standing in harm's way and wisdom for leaders

• "Angel Flight" honoring those who have taken their final journey

• Recitation of "In Flanders Fields" by Cameron Taylor, Boy Scout Troop 350, connecting today's youth with the sacrifices of past generations

• "Battle Hymn of the Republic" celebrating those who fought for freedom

• Gun Salute by Georgetown Police Department Rifle Honor Guard, a traditional military honor

• Taps played in solemn remembrance

• "Amazing Grace" performed by Georgetown Fire Department Pipes & Drums, offering comfort and hope

• Benediction asking for peace and safety for all who serve

  
  

Representing Past, Present, and Future

The ceremony thoughtfully connected America's revolutionary past through the Daughters of the American Revolution and Sons of the American Revolution, who displayed placards showing revolutionary ancestors throughout the venue. The nation's present was represented by active military units and veterans organizations. The future was embodied by Boy Scout Troop 350 and Frontier Girls Troop 700—young people who may one day serve, and who must carry forward the memory of those who gave everything.

Cameron Taylor, who recited "In Flanders Fields," will attend Baylor University in the fall on an ROTC scholarship, representing the continuing commitment of new generations to serve.

The Heart of the Message

This Memorial Day ceremony centered on a fundamental truth: freedom is not free. The price has been paid in the lives of young men and women like Lt. McCook, who stayed at the controls so his crew could escape; like Captain Waskow, who made sure his men were safe before himself; like SSG Whiteley, who continued fighting despite devastating wounds; and like the more than 7,000 service members lost since 9/11.

The ceremony called on every attendee to honor these sacrifices not just with words or on one day each year, but by ensuring their children and grandchildren understand what was given for the freedoms they enjoy. As General Hamilton emphasized, we cannot let these memories fade. The continuation of our nation's ideals—enshrined in the Constitution—depends upon future generations understanding the cost paid by those who came before.

The event concluded with a reception where attendees could gather, share stories, and continue reflecting on the profound debt owed to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.