Views of the Neighborhood – A Remembrance of VJ Day

Today we are going to visit a ceremony in Lakeway for the remembrance of the day 80 years ago when the Japanese surrendered to end World War II. We will be going to Heritage Park and will be catered by Jeffreys of Austin. Our entertainment will be Lee Greenwood.

Menu

Tournedos de veau & escargot – veal tenderloin in bacon, escargot, butterwhite bean, confit tomato, peppered ham  jus

Gulf snapper en papillote – lemongrass carrot broth, baby turnips, king trumpet mushrooms & thai basil

Pekin Duck breast “au Poivre” – roasted rapini, le puy lentils, bronze fennel, caramelized figs & banyuls vinegar

Alaskan halibut & squash blossoms – scallop mousseline, chanterelle mushrooms, dulse butter & lemon thyme

Braised beef short rib – crushed English peas, caramelized shallot vadouvan curry & preserved garlic

Grilled meats

Dean & Peeler Floresville, Texas, USDA Prime, all-natural Black Angus beef
8 oz tenderloin fileT, 16 oz ribeye
Mishima Reserve Northwest, reserve ultra, all-natural Wagyu beef
6 oz tenderloin filet, 12 oz New York strip, 16 oz ribeye
Niman Ranch Midwest, USDA Prime, all-natural Black Angus beef 24 oz bone-in strip, dry aged 32 days
26 oz bone-in ribeye, dry aged 32 days, 42 oz porterhouse, dry aged 32 days
Wood Roasted Chops
16 oz Colorado rack of lamb, served with mint jelly
16 oz tomahawk pork chop, served with truffle butter

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s get going.

We are here at the Heritage Center.

Welcome remarks by Patrick D. Hall, Rear Admiral USN (retired).

The invocation by Pastor Scott Rogers.

The Star Spangled Banner by the Wildflowers.

Moving remarks by Tom Kilgore, Mayor of Lakeway. The Spirit of Freedom monument behind the mayor has over 500 names of those from Lakeway who served during World War II.

Presentation of the memorial wreaths by Admiral Hall and Nancy Jo Forage.

A beautiful rendition of Taps played by Emily Muckelroy of Lake Travis High School.

God Bless America by the Wildflowers.

The Benediction by Pastor Scott Rodgers.

We are all reminded not to forget the men and women of the greatest generation who answered the call for freedom.

Now it is time to enjoy that freedom with music and food. I hope you have an easy week.

 

 

 

59 comments

  1. Darlene's avatar

    This looks like a moving ceremony, an event worth remembering.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Looks very somber. Wonder if this was the reason there was a crowd, uniformed people, and a bagpiper in the park yesterday morning.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. GP's avatar

    May they all be remembered.

    Liked by 2 people

  4. Dan Antion's avatar

    Thanks for this, John.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    That is a very nice meaningful ceremony, John, with fantastic participation.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Tim. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  6. robertawrites235681907's avatar

    It’s quite overwhelming when you see so many names on a memorial, isn’t it?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is. So many who did their duty.

      Like

  7. coldhandboyack's avatar

    A little remembered holiday, but an important one.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree, Craig.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Esther Chilton's avatar

    I think it’s so important for us to remember through ceremonies like this.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I do too. Those memories are shared throughout the world. It would be a shame to lose them. Thanks, Esther.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    Looks like a solemn and dignified ceremony remembering so many who ultimately gave their all for this country.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree Monika. It was very moving.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Debbie's avatar

    As more and more of the greatest generation pass on, ceremonies and remembrances like this become fewer, and I find that sad. They weren’t “the greatest generation” for nothing! Thank you, John, for taking us to one of these celebrations — and thank you, Lakeway, for conducting it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      My dad was part of that generation, and I feel these ceremonies are significant.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Debbie's avatar

        Me, too, John.

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

    Such an important time to remember and give credence to those that stood on the line! It looks like wonderful pause for people to come together in support and remembrance, John.
    Thanks for sharing it with us.❤️❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It was a lovely ceremony, Cindy. 😊 It is good to remember.

      Like

  12. noelleg44's avatar

    What a lovely and meaningful ceremony, John. We need to remember – or we’ll just repeat our mistakes.

    And Alaskan halibut – sign me up!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree, Noelle. Memories are learning. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    Hi, John. Thanks for sharing this lovely ceremony. Well done with the photography.

    Oooo that’s a rather posh menu. I’ll have the Alaskan halibut & squash blossoms – hold scallop mousseline because of my egg allergy. Oh, but wait! It’s virtual. No virtual allergies. 😀 Have a wonderful new week. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      No virtual fat or calories either. Hugs, Teagan.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. roughwighting's avatar

    What a beautiful ceremony. I would have been crying through most of it, particularly during Taps and the singing of God Bless America. My dad served as a paratrooper in WWII. I was born seven years after, and during my entire childhood and adulthood I knew that if patriotic music played, instrumental or singing, tears would be streaming down his face.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is hard not to cry at Taps. When you think of all those who gave their lives, it becomes overwhelming. My Dad served as a naval aviator in a dive bombing squadron. Saw action in the Pacific and against the mainland of Japan. He would have shed tears as well.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. roughwighting's avatar

        We are lucky our dads survived their daring and courageous service. Ok, a few more tears here.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Mine only lived five years after the war. I was ten when he died. Taps always reminds me of his passing.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. roughwighting's avatar

          So sorry to read this. My dad suffered long-term back issues from paratrooping. But never complained. The greatest generation they were, for sure.

          Liked by 1 person

  15. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    God Bless us, everyone!

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Resa's avatar

    I didn’t know the date of the Japanese surrender. Thanks John!

    War.. I cannot say enough negative things about war. There are no positives, unless you own a munitions factory. Sick!

    My M-i-L was in a Japanese internment camp when she was a young girl. When she was delirious on her death bed, she talked to one of the guards.

    Still, I honour the fallen, and all who served.

    💥X 🤕X 💀X

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I honor them as well. 😊x

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        🎖X 🎖X

        Liked by 1 person

  17. Sorryless's avatar

    Eighty years . . . wow.

    Here’s to your wonderful tribute Boss. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think the city did a great job. Thanks, Marco.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. petespringer's avatar

    One of the people I read to at the assisted living center I volunteer at served in World War II. He is an interesting man with a lifetime of great stories. I’m glad there are events such as the one in Lakeway that remind us not to forget history.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I loved talking with my uncle, who was 20 years old when he went into the air force. He was a p-38 pilot over Europe

      Liked by 1 person

  19. equipsblog's avatar

    Lovely commemoration, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Pat. The city does a good job on these memorials.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. thomasstigwikman's avatar

    That was cetrainly an extensive menu. It seems to have been a beautiful ceremony.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It was. I had to include everything since I wrote it before brunch. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Teri Polen's avatar

    Looks like a wonderful ceremony for an important anniversary, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It was lovely, Teri. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Jennie's avatar

    John, what a beautiful remembrance. Thank you so much for sharing this. Taps is always a lump-in-my-throat. Did I ever tell you that Millie the Quilter’s favorite song was America the Beautiful? She had a perfect voice and sang for the children. I find myself singing the song at random times, like in the bathroom with children. They smile.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Your song brings a smile to Millie’s face, I’m sure.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie's avatar

        I think you’re right, John. I hadn’t thought about that. Thank you.

        Liked by 1 person

  23. AJ's avatar

    I’d like to attend more ceremonies. They usually stand for incredible causes that could only be captured in such an event.

    WW2 was a war that my grandfather fought in. I’d learn more about his service in a heart beat.

    Seems like the menu had a theme that resonated with the memory. Really cool stuff… Thanks for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks for the visit, AJ.

      Liked by 1 person

Leave a reply to Teagan Riordain Geneviene Cancel reply