Veterans Day Ceremony Honors Service, Sacrifice, and Community
LINDALE, Texas (Nov. 11, 2025) — As the clock struck 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month, members of American Legion Jordan-Duncan Post 15, their families, and members of the Lindale community gathered at the Post to honor those who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. The annual Veterans Day Ceremony began promptly at 11:00 a.m., the traditional hour when the guns fell silent in 1918 to end World War I, marking the origin of what would become Veterans Day.
The atmosphere was filled with reverence and pride as veterans from every branch of service stood together to pay tribute to those who have defended the nation in times of war and peace. The sound of the American flag rippling in the morning breeze served as a reminder of the freedom safeguarded by generations of men and women who answered the call to serve.
Post Commander Preston Swift served as master of ceremonies, welcoming guests and introducing each part of the program. Swift spoke about the importance of remembrance and the responsibility every citizen carries to ensure that the sacrifices of veterans are never forgotten. His words set the tone for a ceremony centered on unity, gratitude, and the enduring spirit of service.
Post Chaplain Jim Helmuth opened the ceremony with a heartfelt prayer that acknowledged the courage of those who have served, the strength of their families, and the gratitude of a nation that remains free because of their devotion. His invocation brought a quiet stillness to the crowd, many bowing their heads in reflection.
The National Anthem was performed by James Stanley, Post 15’s Second Vice Commander and a former U.S. Navy Vocalist. His powerful and emotional rendition moved the audience, many of whom sang along softly or stood at attention, hands over their hearts. Later in the ceremony, Stanley led the crowd in singing “God Bless America,” a unifying moment that captured the spirit of patriotism and gratitude that defines Veterans Day.
The event featured a special guest speaker, Staff Sgt. Martin Montoya, U.S. Army (Retired), a decorated combat veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and respected member of Post 15. Montoya served honorably from 1999 to 2014, completing multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2012, he was wounded in action, and though his injuries ended his active military career, his dedication to serving others never wavered.
Following his retirement, Montoya founded HSB Combat Recovery, a nonprofit organization that supports veterans across East Texas through outreach, mentorship, and recovery programs. His ongoing mission is to help veterans rebuild their lives, find purpose beyond service, and strengthen the bonds of camaraderie that exist among those who have worn the uniform.
Montoya’s address to the crowd was deeply personal and profoundly moving. He spoke about the cost of freedom and the quiet strength of those who have borne it.
The crowd stood in admiration as Montoya received a warm round of applause. His words served as a reminder that the mission of service does not end when a uniform is folded for the last time. For many veterans, it becomes a lifelong commitment to others who have walked the same path.
Adding to the program’s emotional depth was a stirring musical performance of TAPS by Daniel Lindgren, a recently retired U.S. Army veteran who served as a trumpet instrumentalist with the Army’s elite “Pershing’s Own” band. His performance carried a solemn beauty that touched every person present, evoking both pride and remembrance.
Throughout the ceremony, attendees reflected on their own experiences and the experiences of those they loved. Families of veterans stood beside their loved ones, holding hands and sharing the weight and pride that comes with service. For some, the ceremony brought back memories of deployments and sacrifices made in faraway places. For others, it was a moment to honor those who never returned home.
As the program drew to a close, Chaplain Helmuth returned to the podium to offer a closing prayer. His words called for unity, compassion, and strength among the veteran community, and for peace across the nation. Following the prayer, the crowd observed a moment of silence in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The ceremony concluded with quiet reflection as attendees lingered to speak with one another, shake hands, and share stories. Veterans who had served in different eras connected over shared experiences, proving once again that while uniforms may change, the bond of service remains timeless.
Post 15 has long been a cornerstone of veteran support and community involvement in East Texas. Events like this one exemplify the American Legion’s four pillars: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children and Youth. Each Veterans Day, the Post reaffirms its mission to honor all who have served and to continue building a community that understands the value of their sacrifice.
For those who stood together that morning, Veterans Day was not simply an observance. It was a living testament to duty, honor, and the enduring commitment to one another that defines every veteran.
At American Legion Jordan-Duncan Post 15, service never ends. It evolves, grows, and continues through fellowship, remembrance, and the unbreakable promise to never forget those who served and those who still stand ready to serve.
For God and Country.