‘Freedom is Not Free’ Memorial Day Ceremony at Memorial Gardens

SAN ANGELO, TX - Today, a Memorial Day remembrance ceremony was held at the Johnson’s Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens, 4989 FM 1223. 

The keynote speaker for the event was Lieutenant Colonel Garrett “Magnus” Williams.

Lt. Col. Williams is the commander of the 313th Training Squadron for Goodfellow Air Force Base. 

“I am grateful to be a part of this local community and the 17th Training Wing,” he said. “Where we get to take a pause here on this last Monday of May, for Memorial Day, a time for reflection a time for remembrance, and a time to honor those Americans who have given their last full measure of devotion to the United States for our freedom.

“Memorial Day is a recognition of the price that Americans have paid so that we can breathe the air of freedom that we do,” he said. “It should never be lost by any American that freedom is not free.”

Lt. Col. Williams leads 70 Airmen providing "world-class" international mission-qualification and intermediate and advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance training to develop and inspire professionals for the Department of Defense and its international partners. 

Vice President of Destination Marketing for the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, Jeremy Bartz, said that "we are here to celebrate those who paid the ultimate sacrifice." 

"When I was a kid, I didn't understand the meaning behind it (Memorial Day)," Bartz said at the ceremony. "Our freedoms are not free, they are bought and paid for by every single flag that you see out here, and every person underneath it." 

The Central High School JROTC and Goodfellow Air Force Base Honor Guard provided the raising of the flags. 

The presentation of colors was also done by the Goodfellow Air Force Base Honor Guard. 

Patriotic songs were played by the "Ice house Brass Band," and the invocation and benediction was done by Rev. John S. Pope, Sr. 

Here is an interview with Lt. Col. Williams: