Storms Can’t Silence Honor: Post 15 Holds Memorial Day Ceremony During Break in Weather
LINDALE, Texas — Memorial Day is a time-honored tradition for American Legion Jordan-Duncan Post 15, and not even the threat of dangerous storms could keep its members from gathering to fulfill their solemn duty: to remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to the United States.
The original public ceremony, planned for 11 a.m. on Monday, May 26, at the Lindale Veterans Memorial, was canceled due to severe weather. The area experienced intense thunderstorms, including heavy rainfall and a significant amount of lightning. For safety reasons, Post 15 leaders made the difficult decision to call off the full ceremony. But when the storm broke briefly around noon, a group of dedicated Legionnaires and community members assembled to carry out an abbreviated service—a powerful example of resilience and reverence in the face of adversity.
“It didn’t feel right to walk away from this day without gathering to remember our fallen,” said Post Commander Preston Swift, who delivered the opening remarks. “This day isn’t about convenience. It’s about sacrifice—and we felt it was our duty to be here.”
The abbreviated ceremony included a prayer and wreath laying led by Post 15 Chaplain Jimmy Helmuth, who offered words of comfort and reflection at the base of the memorial. The ceremony concluded with a rifle salute by the Post 15 Honor Guard, a time-honored tradition that echoes through generations as a final tribute to the fallen.
Several veterans, family members and Lindale residents were present despite the last-minute change. Some stood in the rain, while others watched from a respectful distance under umbrellas. Many more joined through a livestream on the Post’s Facebook page, ensuring that even those unable to attend in person could take part in remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“It was raw and real,” said one Auxiliary member who was in attendance. “The weather wasn’t perfect, but neither is grief. Memorial Day is about showing up—for them. Rain or shine.”
The Lindale Veterans Memorial provided a fitting backdrop for the service. Surrounded by the names of local service members and framed by flags rippling in the wind, the location served as a reminder that the cost of freedom is carved not only in stone—but also in memory.
Post 15 encourages the Lindale community and all Americans to remember that Memorial Day is more than a holiday weekend—it is a sacred day of national mourning. Whether through community ceremonies, personal reflection or simply a quiet moment of gratitude, honoring those who died in uniform ensures their legacy lives on.
As Commander Swift reflected, “The storms may have changed our plans, but not our purpose. And as long as we have breath, we will continue to honor the brave men and women who gave theirs.”
The American Legion Jordan-Duncan Post 15 is proud to serve the Lindale community through programs that honor veterans, support youth, and uphold the values of Americanism and service.