What does Lest We Forget mean?

Lest We Forget means that we must not allow the sacrifices of those who served, especially those who died in service, to fade from memory.

Is Lest We Forget only for people in Georgetown, Texas?

No. Lest We Forget is rooted in Georgetown's red poppy story, but its mission is broader: to help veterans, families, and communities everywhere remember, honor, and preserve stories of service and sacrifice.

What is the true meaning of Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for U.S. military service members who died in service to the country. It is a solemn day to honor the fallen, support their families, and reflect on the cost of freedom.

Is Memorial Day the same as Veterans Day?

No. Memorial Day honors those who died in military service. Veterans Day honors all U.S. military veterans, living and deceased, who served.

What does the red poppy symbolize?

The red poppy is a symbol of remembrance for those who died in war. It became closely associated with World War I and the poem In Flanders Fields.

Why is Georgetown, Texas known for red poppies?

Georgetown's red poppy tradition is tied to a local World War I soldier who sent poppy seeds home from Europe. Those seeds were planted in Georgetown and became part of the city's living remembrance story.

When do red poppies bloom in Georgetown, Texas?

Red poppies in Georgetown typically bloom from mid-to-late March through mid-to-late April, depending on weather and growing conditions.

When should red poppy seeds be planted in Texas?

Red poppy seeds are usually planted from September through November so they can establish during cooler months and bloom in the spring.

Why are red poppies connected to Memorial Day?

Red poppies grew on battlefields after World War I and became a symbol of sacrifice, remembrance, and hope. In the United States, they are often worn or displayed around Memorial Day to honor fallen service members.

Is it appropriate to say Happy Memorial Day?

Many veterans and military families prefer more respectful language, such as Have a meaningful Memorial Day or We remember and honor the fallen. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance rather than celebration.

Texas Just Committed $40.8 Million to Help Veterans — Here's What It Means for Williamson County

Jose Campa
1 day ago
2 min read

Yesterday, Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) announced one of the largest single-round veteran funding commitments in state history: $40.8 million in Fund for Veterans' Assistance (FVA) grants awarded to 160 organizations across Texas.

If you're a veteran, surviving spouse, or military family member in Williamson County, this matters to you directly.

What Was Announced

On June 2, 2026, the TVC Commissioners approved 190 grants to 160 nonprofit organizations and local government agencies statewide. Those grants are expected to reach over 125,000 veterans and family members across Texas in the coming year.

Governor Abbott put it plainly:

"Through this more than $40 million in state grants, we strengthen services for Texas veterans, their families and surviving spouses, while we empower local organizations to provide critical care and support across our great state."

TVC Chairwoman Laura Koerner, a Navy veteran herself, added:

"These grants support a range of services, from clinical counseling to housing and financial assistance to legal aid."

This is not a one-time windfall. Since 2009, Texas has awarded over $400 million through 1,790 FVA grants — and this latest cycle continues that commitment.

What Services Are Funded

FVA grants cover a wide range of services for veterans and their families, including:

Financial assistance
Housing and homeless services
Clinical and non-clinical mental health counseling
Home modification and repair
Transportation
Elder care and family support
Trade skills training
Pro bono legal services
Veteran Treatment Courts
Service dog programs
Assistive technology

How to Find Help in Williamson County

The TVC maintains a Grant Services Directory where you can look up organizations serving your county. This is the fastest way to find out exactly which local organizations received funding and what services they provide near you.

👉 Search the TVC Grant Services Directory

You can also contact the Williamson County Veteran Services Office directly — they can connect you with any program you qualify for:

Williamson County Veteran Services Office 100 Wilco Way (Georgetown Annex), Georgetown, TX 📞 512-943-1100 🌐 wilcotx.gov/vetservices

Where the Money Comes From

This isn't tax money pulled from a general fund. FVA grants are funded primarily by Texas Lottery games designated for veteran support, with additional contributions from optional donations made when Texans renew driver's licenses, handgun carry licenses, hunting and fishing licenses, and vehicle registrations.

Every time a Texan checks that donation box, this is where it goes.

Pass This Along

If you know a veteran, a military widow or widower, or a military family who is struggling — share this post. The organizations funded by these grants exist specifically to help people who don't know where to turn.

The money is there. The question is whether people know to ask for it.

For a full list of veteran resources in Williamson County and Central Texas, visit our Veteran Resources Guide.