The Vietnam Veterans of America Post 991 (VVA), Disabled American Veterans Post 63 (DAV), Anderson County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8924 (VFW), VFW Post 8924 Auxiliary, and Troop TX1846 of the American Heritage Girls (AHG) provided a Cotton Patch-catered luncheon in honor of local Korean War Veterans. The event took place on Saturday, July 26, 2025, 12:00 noon at the DAV / VVA combined Posts on Gardner St. in Palestine.
Each year both the United States and the Republic of Korea observe National Korean War Veterans
Armistice Day on July 27. This day was started as a way to commemorate and recognize the peace treaty that triggered a cease-fire in a long-standing war. The Korean War is a significant chapter in American history in which approximately 50,000 American troops died in the conflict, over 100,000 were wounded, and thousands of others were held captive as prisoners of war. On National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, we are encouraged to take some moments for reflection on the service and sacrifices of American troops during this conflict.
VVA Post Commander Bill Stepp called the assembly to order and initiated the event with opening
comments. DAV Chaplain Mark Kimberly followed with a prayer and the AHG Color Guard, commanded by Leader Kenzie Stephens, posted the U.S. and Texas flags followed by the attendees reciting the U.S. and Texas Pledges of Allegiance. VFW Quartermaster Danny Williams delivered a solemn rendition of the National Anthem. VFW Post Commander Arnulfo Rios delivered the keynote address to the audience, stressing how many service members lost their lives in the war, and the many thousands still unaccounted for and missing in action.
Upon completion of CDR Rios’ address VFW, Auxiliary President Stephanie Rios and Auxiliary
Trustee Hattie Kitchens presented both Korean War veterans with special edition challenge coins. Also attending were Auxiliary Secretary Carey Moynihan, Junior Vice President Debbie Gilbert, and member Rita Sageda.
Upon conclusion of CDR Rios’ speech, AHG TX1846 consisting of Troopers Kenzie Stephens, Libby Moore, Janyra Young, Kynlee Cockerell, Kyla Cockerell, Katie Hinton, Kayleigh Stephens and their two adult leaders—Ms. Alysa Stephens and Ms. Elizabeth Moore, and adult member Ms. Rhiannan Hinton served lunch to the Korean War veterans and approximately 60 attending local Veterans and family members.
In addition, the VVA Honor Guard consisting of Richard Dahlgren, David Shirey, Danny Cox, and Romey Ball provided instruction and a demonstration on the proper way to fold and handle the U.S. flag. This was executed in honor of the recently deceased Korean War veteran Henry Johnson.
To conclude, the AHG Color Guard in a disciplined and dignified manner retired the U.S. and Texas flags. The event was concluded by VVA CDR Stepp.
