Magnolia Court Honors Our Veterans and Their Families

"Salute to Our Armed Forces?.Then and Now" by Linda Flores, Assistant Director and Community Marketing Director at Magnolia Court Assisted Living and Memory Care Community,Nacogdoches, TX. The TX House of Representatives presented a flag that flew over the TX Capitol and certificate signed by Rep. Christian, specifically stating “In honor of the veterans in residence at Magnolia Court Assisted Living Community in honor of their service to the United States of America.”

Personally, I have so enjoyed this Tribute Tree. From the first picture that I placed on the tree of my daddy, the residents interest was sparked and from there, it just multiplied. I was so pleased with the participation. I could write several pages of the war stories and remembrances that my vets have shared with us. In the late afternoons, prior to dinner or even afterward, it was awesome to sit and hear the residents talk about the tree and proudly show it off to their families and friends who were visiting. From Mr. B.J.'s stories of the South Pacific , Mr.Talley's tales of his brothers who were pilots who would fly ever so close to the ground just to test the limits, and eventually pay the price for it with their commanding officers, to Mr. Fagelson's service in Burma, and his explanation to us of what the "Royal Order of the Cooties" actually was and how they got that name, to Mrs.Dodie's tales of living on several different bases and teaching in schools in every location and explaining how they wound up in Nacogdoches when Mr.Clyde retired from the US Air Force. The remembrances have been such a wonderful look at the past. This Tribute Tree has all served to make us ever aware of the contributions our resident veterans have given to insure the freedoms that we continue to enjoy today. The tears of joy and pride that I have witnessed over the past several weeks, and continue to see at times when the veteran may not know I am looking, have oftentimes moved me to tear up just a bit, too. God Bless America, indeed!!! I have shared their testimonials to what this salute to our armed forces means to them.

Woodrow and Patricia Wilson:

"We made a "Remembrance Tree" here at Magnolia Court for Memorial Day and July 4th We gathered pictures of people who had served this country in the Armed Forces. It brought back many memories and stories. These soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines had served our country with Pride and Honor for all of us." (Linda's commentary): Mr. & Mrs. Wilson were so very proud of the tribute tree. It was especially moving that Mr. "Woody" had served, through various twists and turns in his journey, in all four branches of the military. Mrs. Wilson actually petitioned me to leave the tree through July 4th. She has since brought Mr. Woody's uniform for display.

Mr. Harry Grantz:

"I think this tribute to our armed forces, with a definite focus on our current military forces, serves to reinforce our belief in the inherent pride that we, as Americans, feel about our country and our beloved Flag. With the silent tears and the memories the tree evokes, we know that the center of our American strength and resilience is our magnificent God, our Supreme protector. God Bless America!"

Mrs. Theodoshia "Dodie" Windham:

"The tribute tree was magnificent, a real thrill for those who participated in the growth of our Nation. It proudly showed honor to our country, at a time in our history when our country honored us. I am proud to have been a career military wife, who had two brothers and 4 brothers-in-law who served our country during those years. It was a very emotional trip down memory lane to see all of their pictures proudly displayed . Aside from being a patriotic manner in which to honor our veterans and their families, it was such a clever way to use the tree made of genuine horseshoes."

B.J. Crownover:

"I cannot begin to thank Linda enough for this fine tribute to us who served our country in various armed forces. Each day that I saw her add photos brought such feelings of pride and honor and many times even some tears. The tree brings all of us together in such pride in our Flag and country. To see my photo attached to a flag hanging on a tree of honor gives me such joy."

W.L. Talley:

"The war years hold many memories for me and my fellow vets, both good and bad. To see myself and my brothers honored in such a visible way means much to me at a time in my life when memories have become so very special and are much of what continues to sustain me. I enjoyed relating several of my "war tales" with the staff."