2016 Memorial Day Service at Hillcrest Memorial Park [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

There was a great turnout of people to show their respect for our Service men and women that paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The annual service took place at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery. We have photos and video to share.

At Hillcrest Memorial Park they went all out on the grounds with an avenue of flags with more than 285 U.S. Flags on the roadways and more than 1,200 U.S. Flags marking the graves of the veteran’s at rest in the cemetery.

The Master of Ceremonies was U.S. Army Reserve Chaplain Dr. Jerry Creek. The United States Marine Corp served as Color Guard, Recording Artist Klancy Johnson performed the National Anthem, and the guest speaker for the event was Texarkana Arkansas Mayor Ruth Penny Bell. Mayor Bell told a very touching story of her best friend from her childhood growing up in Ben Lomond, Arkansas, and how her friend’s father was killed in action. She explained how best friends relates to the sacrifice that many of our service men and women have made. That even more than for country ,our fallen heroes fought and died for their best friends that fought beside them, for them. Check out the video below for the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department Honor Guard.

Happy the land whose rulers are chosen by the people’s voice alone;
For such will take a special care to save a country of their own.

In this free state we would rejoice, and dwell forever more in peace;
And praise our God with cheerful voice, who makes our thrall and bondage cease.

– Excerpt from Elhanan Winchester’s hymm, “Behold with Joy” (1776)

It was another excellent memorial service presented by Texarkana Funeral Homes. The service ended with the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department Honor Guard giving a 21-Gun Salute and the playing of Taps on the bugle.