Photo By Master Sgt. Daniel Griego | In this image, Sgt. Fredericks of HHC, JTF-136 (MEB) affixes American flags to a unit...... read more read more
ROUND ROCK, Texas - This year's Fourth of July marked the 238th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Communities throughout the country celebrated this important milestone in our nation's history with a weekend of commemorative events and gatherings. For the citizens of Round Rock, Texas, the occasion was an opportunity to recognize others who made a mark in American history.
For its annual Independence Day parade, the City of Round Rock invited its local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9078, which includes veterans of World War II, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terror. In support of these redoubtable warriors, the Texas National Guard's Joint Task Force 136 (Maneuver Enhancement Brigade) supported the post with Guardsmen and vehicles to allow them to participate in the parade.
"This morning we're out here to support the VFW in the parade, the Fourth of July parade," said Staff Sgt. Edward L. Cumberlander, a chemical Soldier with HHC, JTF-136 (MEB). "It's an honor that they would ask us to come out here to support them, because they always support us."
The Texas National Guard and the Veterans of Foreign Wars have a long history of cooperation and shared endeavors, especially with so many individuals in both organizations. This parade helped to reinforce that partnership.
"We've been in partnership and working hard at supporting our National Guard," said George White, a past commander for VFW Post 9078 and a current Round Rock City Councilman, "and they in turn have supported us; they're supply the vehicles this morning. We've worked together in so many different aspects, coming home and supporting them when they're overseas as well. It's a great honor and a privilege to be a part of an organization that supports them."
The veterans wanted to emphasize the sacrifices and honor of our forefathers, as well as all service members who have contributed to America's freedom.
"I'm proud to be out here," said Franklin D Cutler, the adjutant for the VFW's Post 9078. "I'm proud for what the Fourth of July stands for. It stands for freedom. The fact that people can go out and have barbecues and enjoy the day with family and friends, it's because of the freedom created by the military over the last several hundred years."
Events such as this further demonstrate the National Guard's commitment to building lasting communities focused on service and public outreach. Should the members of JTF-136 (MEB) be called upon to help in times of disaster, the citizens of Central Texas and beyond can be confident that these Guardsmen are ready to support their neighbors.
"I can't think of anything better than being out there in the Fourth of July Parade here in Round Rock this morning," said Cumberlander. "It shows our support to the community and also lets them know that the National Guard is here to do whatever it is that the community needs us to do."
| Date Taken: | 07.04.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 07.07.2014 19:39 |
| Story ID: | 135467 |
| Location: | ROUND ROCK, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 55 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Texas Guardsmen support VFW for July Fourth parade, by MSG Daniel Griego, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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