Here is a story about one of our own, Chris "ndkid275" Felchie (Moderator for Interiors and Texas Connection), doing a number of things suggested in first post by Dusty -- and then some.
What an impact: "Some veterans parked their cars and cried at the sight."
Along a sidewalk in New Braunfels' Veramendi neighborhood, a memorial display is prompting passersby to stop and remember the country’s fallen heroes. The display includes the flags of each military branch. At the foot of each flag sits the symbol for fallen soldiers, including a helmet, boots and weapon.
Veramendi resident Chris Felchle created the display with the support of his neighborhood community. Felchle served nearly 29 years in the U.S. Army.
“The reason why this went up is we’ve all lost somebody, right, especially a lot of us veterans, we’ve lost a lot of people during our time of service,” Felchle said. "It’s our opportunity to honor them and never forget them … and that’s what it’s all about – remembering, saying their names so they’re not forgotten.”
Figures of kneeling soldiers are on each side of the display. Written on the sidewalk in chalk are names of fallen military service members that community members have penciled in remembrance. As of Wednesday morning, 24 names were displayed. The community is invited to add names.
Felchle has also led an effort to place American flags in yards throughout the Veramendi neighborhood to honor those who have served. Someone has tied yellow ribbons to trees throughout the neighborhood. Neighbors have donated money toward both the display and the flag initiative. Felchle said he credits the Live Oak Boy Scouts for teaching him how to assemble the display flags. The business Knotty Cabinetry cut out wood designs for the memorial display.
The Veramendi neighborhood has a large veteran population, Felchle said, and these initiatives have helped bring veterans out of their homes, talk with each other about their experiences and get the help that they need. He said he's enjoyed having such a visible and prominent neighborhood display, Felchle said. He recalls getting goosebumps as people honked their horns and yelled in support when they saw him placing the flags. Some veterans parked their cars and cried at the sight.
“That’s what it’s all about, bringing the community together and getting people help that they need,” Felchle said.
Felchle said it is important to remember that Memorial Day is not a day for veterans, but a day to specifically to honor and remember the military heroes that have died in service.
More of Chris' story can be
read HERE in our Legion Hall. And the actual article can be found
HERE in the Herald-Zeitung.
