Dozens of Hays County residents gathered on the steps of the Hays County Courthouse on Monday morning to honor the spirit of public service. Attendees included representatives from the American Legion, the Kiwanis Club, American Veterans (AMVETS), the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the Hays County Historical Commission, Gary Job Corps Student Government Association and Gary Job Corps corrections and security students.
Judge Ruben Becerra made opening remarks at the ceremony, thanking the crowd for attending and noting the importance of public service. Hays County Veterans’ Service Officer Jude Prather spoke about not only veterans’ service but the service of U.S. presidents, including those from Texas (Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lyndon baines Johnson, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush). Randolph Goodman from Gary Job Corps spoke specifically about Johnson, who signed the law authorizing the creation of job corps centers.
Randy Cook from the Kiwanis Club spoke about his group’s Patriotic Flag Program, which allows businesses to rent flags and have them posted on national holidays. Cook said the Kiwanis Club uses funds from that program to support the San Marcos Public Library’s Summer Reading Program.
Becerra then announced that Monday’s gathering was the first of a series of community get-togethers at the Hays County Courthouse. Each month, he said, “we’re going to find a reason to come together. … This is your facility, this is your lawn.”
Becerra then read the proclamation approved by the Hays County Commissioners Court declaring Feb. 18, 2019, as Presidents Day, honoring public service as “a hallmark of the American character” and encouraging residents to “recognize the positive impacts our public servants make in our community, and to thank those who serve.”
Attendees were treated to coffee and doughnuts inside the courthouse.
