Gov. Greg Abbott led a ceremony honoring fallen heroes during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Georgetown-Williamson County Veterans Memorial Plaza. 

Speaking to a crowd of more than 2,500 people, Abbott emphasized the significance of Memorial Day in honoring the dedication and sacrifice of service members. He reaffirmed the importance of fighting for freedom and expressed gratitude for the families of the fallen soldiers. 

“Today, we honor the heroes who gave their all to fight for our sacred rights and who went in harm’s way to protect the American way,” Abbott said. 

The governor emphasized the importance of the freedom that veterans fight to protect.

“Americans must always remember that freedom is worth fighting for," Abbott said. "America remains the greatest force for freedom the world has ever known, and that freedom has been preserved, protected, and defended by the mightiest military in the history of the world. ...  May we never forget the price they paid so that we can be free.”   

Abbott also acknowledged the Texas National Guard's efforts to protect the state and country in the midst of what the governor presented as President Biden's more lenient immigration policies. He highlighted the state's program – "Hiring Red, White, and You" – aimed at assisting veterans and military spouses in finding jobs in critical fields. The governor was accompanied by U.S. Congressman John Carter (R-TX), military personnel as well as local leaders at the ceremony.

In a separate Memorial Day ceremony held at the Texas House of Representatives, Abbott honored Texas service members who sacrificed their lives since the previous ceremony. He recognized several individuals such as U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. James Sartor, Chief Warrant Officer David Knadle, and Lance Cpl. David Espinoza.