Annual Patriotic Memorial Day Event at San Fernando Cemetery III

Auxiliary Bishop Gary W. Janak and Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Sir Knights, from Assembly’s 1102 and 2040, again gathered this Memorial Day, May 27, 2024, at San Fernando Cemetery III for a prayerful, and commemorative ceremony to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the freedoms we hold so dear to us as Americans.

The Memorial Day celebration which is a joint effort between these two Assemblies consists of three major events (Flags, Mass, & recognition of families whose sons lost their lives in service to their country).Observed on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day is an American holiday that honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

The ceremony begins with the joint team of Sir Knights from Assemblies 1102 and 2040 posting the United States and Papal flags, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and then posting the six military service flags.This year, Bishop Janak celebrated the Mass with Mrs. Letty Spain, Director of Worship & Music at Church of the Holy Spirit, blessing us with her musical talents.After the Mass, Bishop Janak accompanied the Fourth Degree Knights as they marched to the designated area for the flag raising of the color’s ceremony.Then, the flag was lowered to half-mast, taps were played, and a wreath was laid next to the flag pole.Bishop Janak led a short prayer service and all marched back to the chapel area.

The presentation of the honorees was conducted by Sir Knight Ray Davila and guest Mr. Lazaro Garza Jr.They honored the two families who lost loved ones in service to their country.This year's honorees were Lane Bledsoe Alvarez and Carlos Mendoza MartinezLazaro Garza Jr. read and presented their certificates to their families.

Both Fourth Degree Assemblies celebrate Memorial Day each year by posting the flags, honoring identified families who have lost their loved ones, and participation at Mass with a priest, but traditionally has been one of our Archdiocesan bishops.

The Sir Knights who participate, recognize Memorial Day as a day of respect and remembrance for those who sacrificed their lives in military service and in recognition of the immeasurable loss to their families, friends, and communities.Assembly 1102 and Assembly 2040 put their faith, and their love of country, into action through this carefully planned and reverently presented ceremony that honors those who gave their all.

The ceremony displays one of the primary purposes of the Fourth Degree to encourage active Catholic citizenship and foster the spirit of patriotism in members and the community at large.

The Sir Knights would like to thank Auxiliary Bishop Gary W. Janak, Vocations Director/Chancellor of the Archdiocese of San Antonio as our celebrant and Esther Oropeza, Cemetery Manager, and her staff for sponsoring these Sir Knights each Memorial Day event at San Fernando Cemetery III.A special thank you to Sir Knight Juan Moran, Faithful Navigator - Assembly 1102, and Sir Knight Anthony Morales, Color Corp Commander – Assembly 2040, for their leadership with this pivotal, annual event.

Photos

1_ “Photo 1_ Reciting Pledge of Allegiance” – Caption: (Left to Right), Bishop Gary W. Janak, Deacon Carlos Marquez, Faithful Navigator Juan Moran, Assembly 1102 and Color Commander Anthony Morales, Assembly 2040.

2_ “Photo 2_ Honoree Sgt. Lane Bledsoe Alvarez - KIA” – Caption: (Left to Right), Lane Anthony Alvarez Jr. (Grandson), Lane Anthony Alvarez Sr. (Son), and Faithful Navigator Juan Moran, Assembly 1102 presenting the Certificate.