A veteran salutes the flag during a Veterans Day ceremony at Lockney High School on Nov. 11, 2021. (Alex Driggars/Floyd County Record)
FLOYD COUNTY — On this Veterans Day, hundreds gathered at three ceremonies in Floydada and Lockney to honor those in our community who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
In Lockney, students and community members gathered in Longhorn Gym to show their appreciation for Lockney’s brave servicemembers, past and present. The Lockney High School band performed a medley of military branch songs, and the Lockney Elementary fifth grade class sang a number of patriotic songs.
Retired Army 1st Sgt. Felipe Azua gave the keynote address. Azua served more than 20 years in the Army with deployments across Latin America, Europe and the Middle East, and has a lengthy list of military honors and awards. Azua encouraged veterans to talk about their service, and civilians to ask questions.
“It took me a long time to realize that I needed to talk about my military service so my kids would understand what their dad did during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the skirmishes I’ve been involved in,” Azua said.
Azua prompted the crowd to “talk to veterans” and ask them questions about their service. “You’ll probably see a spark that’s been dormant for years,” he said.
“I know what war is like, and I know what you guys have experienced — your fear, your bravery, your suffering, your survival. I know what you know,” Azua told the gathered veterans. “And so I stand here in honor of your service today. I’m proud to stand in front of a grateful nation and represent grateful Americans who don’t have the honor of speaking to their heroes on Veterans Day. I represent grateful Americans who wish they could reach out and thank each of you personally. Thank you.”
Shortly after the Lockney ceremony, other veterans gathered with teachers and students in the auditorium at Floydada Collegiate High School and Junior High for another assembly. Boy Scout Troop 357 presented the colors, the Whirlwind Band performed an armed forces medley and Senior Class President Katelyn Vega delivered an address titled “Answering the Call.” Refreshments were served in the cafeteria after the presentation.
To round out the day’s activities, Floydada students held a wreath laying ceremony to honor fallen veterans at the Floyd County Veterans Memorial on the courthouse grounds.
