U.S. military personnel who have sacrificed their lives while serving in the United States armed forces will be honored on Memorial Day at Zero Stone Park in Fort Stockton.

The Memorial Day Service will begin at 10 a.m. at the park, which is located south of the Pecos County Courthouse.

“Wreaths will be laid honoring each of our country’s wars/conflicts and those that served through them. Prayers will be said and proclamations from the county and city will be read, and the names of our beloved veteran family members and friends that have passed away over the past year, will be read, and taps will be played,” Joni McGee, Pecos County Service Veterans Officer said. “So, if you have lost a family member or friend that was a veteran, please feel free to contact me, Joni McGee, at 432-290-1616 and I will gladly add your veteran to the list of names read.”

McGee was a representative for local veterans at the Pecos County Commissioners Court and Fort Stockton City Council meeting on May 23. Pecos County Judge Joe Shuster and Fort Stockton Mayor Chris Alexander each presented McGee with a proclamation endorsing May 30 as Memorial Day.

The city’s proclamation read as follows:

“Memorial Day each year serves as a solemn reminder of the scourge of war and its bitter aftermath of sorrow. This day has traditionally been devoted to paying homage to loved ones who lie in hallowed graves throughout the land, having sacrificed their lives that war might end. In tribute to these silent dead, it is fitting that we lift up our voices together in supplication to almighty God for wisdom in our search for enduring peace. The Congress, in a joint resolution approved May 11, 1950, provided that Memorial Day should be set aside as a day of prayer for permanent peace. Today, and every day, let us remember the servicemen and women we have lost and let us honor them by rededicating ourselves to strengthening our nation’s promise. With love, grace, and reflection, let us honor our fallen fellow Americans, known and unknown, who sacrificed their freedom to ensure our own.”