The second annual Texas Agriculture Memorial Day on Nov. 21 remembered the lives and honored the sacrifices of Texas farmers and ranchers who contributed much to our heritage and our economy.
The event, conducted at the Texas Capitol in Austin, recognized men and women who have lost their lives or been severely injured while engaged in agricultural-related pursuits. The ceremony also recognized those who passed away due to other causes but had an active role in the agricultural community.
This year’s honorees were William “Billy” Meissner, Randy Bullard, Maurice Buchholz, Gladys Ann Nay, Dayton R. Crenwelge, Johnny Callan, Sydney Alyssa Wallace, Cody Crockett, John Walter Ayers, Coke Hopping, Joel B. Hughes, Zelda Peveto, Frances Freeman, Gretchen Hartmann, Winnie Grace Tanner and Jeanette Hendrixson Loftis.
“The response from the families has been very encouraging and very appreciative,” John Paul Dineen, co-founder of Texas Agriculture Memorial Day, said in an interview with the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network. “They’re very thankful that the state wants to honor the life of their family member.”
A memorial wreath was delivered on horseback from the Texas Department of Agriculture offices to the Texas Capitol. The Texas Department of Public Safety provided a mounted honor guard to accompany the wreath.
The Dineens, a farm family from Waxahachie, organized the event, an idea that grew out of personal experience. They lost their son in a farm accident about 10 years ago.
The fatal accident cultivated a legacy for the family—one of farm safety awareness and education.
Details about Texas Agriculture Memorial Day can be found at www.facebook.com/TexasAgricultureMemorialDay/.