Inaugural Memorial Day Service Held at Calvary Catholic Cemetery

Locals pay respects to veterans, flags laid to honor those lost

By Guy Chapman – Navarro County Gazette

The Immaculate Conception Church held its first inaugural Memorial Day Service at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery this clear Monday morning to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to the United States.

Corsicana residents gather to pay their respects to the fallen at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Local veterans listen to the service. – Photos by Guy Chapman

The event began with speaker Jim Pelzel, U.S. Navy Ret., and an Invocation by Rev. Juan Carlos Marin C.

Jim Pelzel, U.S. Navy Ret. was the event’s speaker. The service’s invocation was led by Rev. Juan Carlos Marin C. – Photos by Guy Chapman

After the invocation, the playing of “Taps” was performed by Lane Grayson, and Martha Phillips gave an emotionally heartfelt reading of the poem “The Soldier.”

Lane Grayson plays “Taps” on trumpet. Martha Phillips reads the poem “The Soldier.” – Photos by Guy Chapman

Rev. Marin provided the blessing of the graves through prayer.

Rev. Juan Carlos Marin C. provides a blessing of the graves through prayer. – Photos by Guy Chapman

At the end of the blessing, attendees were encouraged to place flags properly on veteran graves, as “Amazing Grace” was performed on bagpipes by Trooper Clint Sherman.