05/27/2026
Memorial Day observances at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery began at sunset on Friday, May 22. The headstones of all forty-two of our fallen service members were illuminated, creating a powerful and deeply moving sight.
The cemetery’s front gate was lit in our nation’s colors—red, white, and blue—and visitors entered through the Avenue of Flags, which also illuminated at sunset. The experience was especially meaningful for our Veteran community. The cemetery remained open day and night throughout Memorial Day weekend.
This year’s official Killeen Memorial Day Ceremony was held at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center due to the ongoing expansion project at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.
The service opened with the Presentation of Colors by the 1st Cavalry Division Honor Detail, followed by the National Anthem performed by Zane Conway and an invocation delivered by Pastor Andres Lopez. The newly elected Mayor of Killeen, Joseph Solomon, welcomed attendees.
Brigadier General Peter Glass served as the guest speaker for the ceremony. His remarks were followed by the laying of wreaths and the Roll Call honoring the KIAs interred at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery. The ceremony continued with a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.
The Chaparral High School Silver Lynx Choir concluded the event with a rendition of America the Beautiful, ending a beautiful and profoundly moving ceremony.
