By R.A. Smith
Special to the View
When the Lohmann’s Crossing Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution prepared for their third annual Memorial Day, a crowd of about 50 was anticipated. Yet much to their surprise, Lakeway residents turned out in record numbers to pay their tribute to those who gave their lives to preserve America’s freedom.

After being welcomed by newly-elected Lakeway Mayor Dave DeOme, featured speaker Charles McClure, editor of the Lake Travis View, said he felt very humbled to have been asked to make the address since he had never served in the military.
“As I struggled with what to speak about today, I found myself unable to sleep for about six straight days,” McClure said. “On the sixth night, I broke into tears while considering the sacrifices that so many had made on my behalf.”
McClure paid homage to the many veterans in the Lakeway area that had helped with the Patriot Fund, which supplies paralyzed veterans that have been wounded in combat with iBot mobile powered wheelchairs. The iBOT has a number of features distinguishing it from most powered wheelchairs, including rotating its two sets of powered wheels about each other, allowing the iBOT can “walk” up and down stairs. It is even capable of traveling through many types of terrain, including sand, gravel, and water up to three inches deep.
He also asked all veterans, past and present, to rise, thanking them for their service. The veterans included his son, who currently serves in the military and is a veteran of the current wars in the Middle East. He noted his son-in-law is currently overseas serving in Iraq.
The substance of McClure’s remarks addressed how civilians can honor those who died to protect Americas freedom and values.
“These brave men and women didn’t make the ultimate sacrifice without good reason,” McClure said. “In fact, they did so for the most meaningful of reasons — to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States — so their family, friends and all subsequent generations could enjoy this amazing nation which encourages us to pursue happiness. That, my friends, is a unique concept, singular to our great nation. I am overwhelmed by such sacrifice. They didn’t only die to protect their fellow soldiers in the field. They did so to protect their loved ones back home — civilians — enjoying the peace and tranquility of our fruited plains.”
He noted that meant civilians “have an obigation to honor those sacrifices.”
“These men and women did not die so that we as civilians would fumble the ball,” he said. “Instead they have handed us the ball, and expected us to carry it, regardless of the obstacles with which we are confronted.”
McClure said every American should vote, regardless of political persuasions. He also said citizens should observe and respect the rule of law.
“We must understand that the Constitution is greater than any single President, or any collected Congress; that the Constitution is a living, breathing document that continues to fulfill its intended purpose, even when we as individuals, or as a collected society, find ourselves off course,” McClure said. “If you are, or ever have been, concerned by the direction of our nation, relax. The Constitution will do its job and put us back on course. The Constitution is the most amazing of documents in that it is self-correcting. It is the moral compass of our nation. It is our guide to proper behavior and to our continued prosperity. And it must always be defended at all costs.
“That isn’t just the job of the soldier, the policeman, the firefighter, or, as in my case, the journalist,” he added. “It is the responsibility of each and every one of us, regardless of station. And we do this best by finding a place of service within our society where we can make a difference, where we can improve the lives of our fellow Americans.”
McClure observed that America has benefited through the efforts of its fallen soldiers.
“I would submit that while this is a solemn occasion — even sorrowful for those who have lost family or friends in the defense of our nation — that there is joy in the midst of these deep-seated emotions,” he said. “Our nation thrives because of their sacrifices. We succeed individually because they understood that freedom isn’t really free. So on this day, let us rejoice that so many have done so much so that we may live here, in the land of the free and the home of the brave. We stand here, unified, in our thanks to those who have died to protect us, and deeply appreciative of those who have served and continue to serve us, from sea to shining sea.”
The event was co-sponsored by the Lakeway Heritage Commission and the Lohmann’s Ford Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.