ABILENE, TX— Families from all over will gather at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene this week to honor those who served for our country.
“That’s the reason that we have freedom and all the things we enjoy today,” said Mitzi McAndrew, the widow of Charles Wayne McAndrew, who served in Vietnam. “If they weren’t willing to give their life, we wouldn’t enjoy nice things,”
On Wednesday and Thursday, they are laying wreaths on the headstones of loved ones,
“Being able to come out here it gives you that little bit of time set aside to remember your family member and honor them,” said Jennifer Stephens, McAndrew’s daughter.
Stephens said her father lost his 16-year battle with cancer in April 2017.
“He came home and battled three different cancers from agent orange and the last one was the very rare cancer that ended up taking his life,” said Stephens.
His wife told KTXS they were married for 33 years.
She said it’s not hard to visit McAdam’s grave. Instead, it brings her peace and comfort.
“I know he’s in heaven and this just a memory of his life and a celebration of his life and I always want to celebrate his life,” she said.
Their wreath is one of more than 2,200 being placed on every grave at the cemetery.
Due the coronavirus pandemic, there won’t be a ceremony on Saturday like normal.Instead, the Commemorative Air Force will do a flyover at noon on Friday.
