The Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens in Langston, Oklahoma, will host its annual Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 26, at 11 a.m. at 313 East Turner Street. This year’s ceremony promises to be a memorable and meaningful tribute to the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States.
Major General Clifford L. Stanley, USMC (Ret.) will serve as the keynote speaker. A decorated veteran with a 33-year military career, Stanley also served as Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. His extensive resume includes high-level leadership roles across the Department of Defense and the Marine Corps. He is also an ordained minister and holds advanced degrees from Johns Hopkins University, the United Lutheran Seminary, and the University of Pennsylvania.
The program’s Master of Ceremony will be Marlon T. James, a Langston University graduate and U.S. Army veteran. James served with distinction during his 23-year military career, including command in combat zones, and now works as a civil servant at Tinker Air Force Base. He is also actively involved in nonprofit and community leadership.
The Memorial Day program will feature several highlights, including:
- The official raising of the U.S. Space Force flag by OSU ROTC Cadet Alexander Turner Camacho, with remarks from WCVMG Trustee Dr. Kermit McMurray and the playing of the Space Force Hymn by U.S. Air National Guard Bugler Vicki Friedemann.
- Musical tributes by Mr. Isaac B. Coleman, Jr. of Oklahoma City and Miss Nalha Casby of Midwest City.
- A community tribute to Rita Graham, who authored the Memorial Day poem for the Gardens, delivered by Ms. LaVonne Lee.
- An Honor Guard from Tinker Air Force Base, along with invocations and reflections from local clergy, including Rev. Everett Mack, Sr. of New Hope Baptist Church.
Mr. James Horn, a proud Marine and strong supporter of the WCVMG, will introduce Major General Stanley. The day will begin with a coffee and pastry reception at 10:00 a.m., followed by the formal program at 11:00 a.m. Afterward, guests are invited to a Community Picnic Lunch sponsored by the Gardens and the Town of Langston City.
This annual observance continues the mission started by Army veteran and Langston native Stewart A. Williams and his wife Maeoma, founders of the Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens, to “honor all who served.”
The ceremony will also be live-streamed on the Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens Facebook page beginning at 11:00 a.m.
To support the Gardens through donations or to purchase a Military ID Tag in honor of a veteran, email wmconradveteransmemorialgarden@gmail.com or mail to P.O. Box 27, Langston, OK 73050. Donations can also be made via Cash App at $wmcveteransmg.
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