Meghan Bias, museum administrator, began the service with a moving tribute to those who died as a result of the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon Sept. 11, 2001, those who have died fighting for their country since, and those who continue to serve today.

“Tonight is about remembrance and honor,” she said.

The crowd gathered in front of a shopping center wall that is dedicated to those who fight and those who have died in war.

During a ceremony and in front of family and friends, U.S. Army Sgt. Raymond Garica and Boy Scout Gerald Harris of Troop 5 retired the flags representing the eight people with ties to Howard County who have lost their lives in the war against terrorism.

They include U.S. Army Sgt. Conrad Alvarez, 1986-2008; former Big Spring police officer Steven Evrard, 1971-2007; U.S. Army Pfc. Clayton Henson, 1983-2004; U.S. Army Pfc. Kristian Menchaca, 1983-2006; U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Chad Metcalf, 1982-2003; U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Clinton Newman, 1979-2006; U.S. Army Spc. Robert J. Volker, 1985-2006 and U.S. Army Spc. Branden Long, 1987-2007.

Guest speakers for the evening included Dr. Darryl Powell, retired U.S. Army brigadier general; Steven Hedges, Big Spring Fire Department deputy chief; and David Justice, senior warden at the Big Spring Correctional Center.

Poet John Pilgram, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during Vietnam, read two his poems “The Other Veteran” and “Freedom.”

Also participating in the tribute were Mike Tarpley, a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Army. He began by leading the crowd in the pledge of allegiance. Debbie Mullin sang the Star Spangled Banner and U.S. Army Chaplain Dean Thomas of the Big Spring VA Medical Center gave the opening prayer.

Vocalists Ruth Jackson and Ellen Phillips sang “Remember, America!,” a composition by local resident Ann Hollis Ward.

Closing out the ceremony were Joe Wineck, who sang “Amazing Grace.” Rick Cunningham gave the closing prayer and Mike Tarpley played “Taps.”