Honoring Those Who Served
Bob Robinson
Texas A&M Graduate, Class of 66

As we celebrate Memorial Day today, please take a moment to honor those who have served. It is they who have purchased our freedoms with their sacrifices and, in many cases, their lives.

I want to thank two of my fellow Aggies for their service: Richard Powell, USN Retired, Vietnam Veteran, and Lt. James Neely, who have his life on the field of battle in Vietnam. I also gratefully thank my natural father, Captain William Baldwin, who gave his life in service to our country, my adopted father Lt. Col. John Robinson, World War II and Korean War Veteran, my friends Al Bliss and Fred Dean of Greenville and the hundreds of local veterans who have served so honorably.

I received the following Saturday from the president of the Former Students Association of Texas A&M University, my Alma Mater…

Memorial Day: Aggies Remember

May 23, 2014

Howdy, Ags!

Addressing a joint session of Congress on April 16, 1945, President Harry S. Truman said, “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” Truman was speaking of the sacrifices made during World War II, but his words ring true today, regardless of the conflict where such selfless service is displayed by our men and women in uniform.

On Memorial Day, our nation will pause to remember the 1.3 million Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation, dating back to the Revolutionary War. This act of remembrance comes easily to Aggies and aligns with our core values, especially those of loyalty, respect and selfless service. As you enjoy your Memorial Day activities with friends and family, I invite you to join with the Board of Directors and staff of The Association of Former Students in finding your own way to honor those who have given all and especially the 1,100 Texas Aggies included in this esteemed group. Whether you do this by proudly flying our flag, visiting memorials or gravesites, or simply observing a moment of silence or prayer, you will be joined in this tribute by Aggies around the world.

Military history and service are deeply ingrained in the fabric of Texas A&M. Aggies have served in conflicts dating back to the Spanish-American War and have faithfully gone wherever and whenever duty calls. And, whether we have individually served or not, Aggies hold this service and sacrifice in the highest regard. Just as we remember our fellow Aggies each April 21, may we remember on Memorial Day and always those who gave the last full measure of devotion.

As we gratefully remember and honor those who have given their lives in service to our great nation, I invite you to join me, also, in thanking those who have served and serve today. We owe them and their families a great debt of gratitude, as well!

With Gratitude,

Porter S. Garner III '79
President and CEO
Texas A&M Former Students Association