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A Moving Tribute
By Catherine Rudebusch
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Updated: 05.30.09
The Courier |
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Conroe resident Rita Crosby, left,
chats with state Rep. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, Saturday in the House
chambers where lawmakers convened to pay tribute to those Texas soldiers
who lost their lives during the global war on terrorism. Crosby’s
grandson, Cpl. Brandon Smitherman, died fighting in Iraq in 2007. Also
honored at the ceremony was Capt. Rowdy J. Inman, the son of Conroe
resident Tony Inman. Rowdy Inman was killed in action in Iraq in
December.
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AUSTIN – As the solemn notes of
“Taps” echoed throughout the state Capitol, two women leaned on each other
for emotional support. They were brought together as their lost loved ones
were memorialized on the House floor Saturday.
As those women and others looked on, the House and Senate convened in a
joint session for a tribute to Texas’ fallen soldiers in the global war on
terrorism. Two Conroe men who lost their lives in the War on Terror –
Capt. Rowdy J. Inman and
Cpl.
Brandon Smitherman – were honored.
“It was just wonderful that the governor and all these people took time out
for the ceremony,” said Rita Crosby, grandmother of Smitherman and a
longtime employee of The Courier. “There aren’t enough ceremonies like this.
Every time I hear ‘Taps’ now, I get chills.”
Smitherman, 21, was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated
near his vehicle in Iraq Oct. 31, 2007.
Inman, 38, was killed in action in Iraq on Dec. 26, 2008. His father, Tony
Inman, accepted an American flag from Gov. Rick Perry and Rep. Brandon
Creighton, R-Conroe, in honor of his son’s service.
With onlookers packed in the House balcony, Crosby and Inman viewed the
ceremony from the chamber floor.
The names of 126 fallen Texas servicemen and women were read, and the
families present received flags and plaques in memoriam from the state. Two
members of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band played echo taps from opposite
sides of the balcony, stirring many of those gathered to tears.
Dr. Jerry Hardwick, founder of New Centurions, a Christian ministry in San
Antonio, gave the invocation and benediction.
“We pray for those who have been laid to rest, and we pray for those who
laid them to rest,” Hardwick said. “The eyes of Texas are upon you, because
your son or daughter served this country.”
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst fought back emotion as he addressed the families.
Dewhurst, an Air Force veteran, lost his father in World War II.
“Our hearts go out to you. I understand your pain,” Dewhurst said. “You
honor us by being here today to honor your sons and daughters.”
Perry delivered a keynote address and personally met with the family members
on the floor as each fallen soldier was recognized. He stated that the
Capitol was not a place for debate during the memorial, but that every Texan
should recognize the sacrifices the soldiers made.
“We are reminded that their sacrifice is the supreme display of love,” Perry
said. “Today, we remember these Texans, the bravest of our lot.” |
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