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A Moving Tribute
By Catherine Rudebusch

Updated: 05.30.09
The Courier

 

Conroe resident Rita Crosby, left, chats with state Rep. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, Saturday in the House chambers where lawmakers convened to pay tribute to those Texas soldiers who lost their lives during the global war on terrorism. Crosby’s grandson, Cpl. Brandon Smitherman, died fighting in Iraq in 2007. Also honored at the ceremony was Capt. Rowdy J. Inman, the son of Conroe resident Tony Inman. Rowdy Inman was killed in action in Iraq in December.
AUSTIN – As the solemn notes of “Taps” echoed throughout the state Capitol, two women leaned on each other for emotional support. They were brought together as their lost loved ones were memorialized on the House floor Saturday.

As those women and others looked on, the House and Senate convened in a joint session for a tribute to Texas’ fallen soldiers in the global war on terrorism. Two Conroe men who lost their lives in the War on Terror – Capt. Rowdy J. Inman and Cpl. Brandon Smitherman – were honored.

“It was just wonderful that the governor and all these people took time out for the ceremony,” said Rita Crosby, grandmother of Smitherman and a longtime employee of The Courier. “There aren’t enough ceremonies like this. Every time I hear ‘Taps’ now, I get chills.”

Smitherman, 21, was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Iraq Oct. 31, 2007.

Inman, 38, was killed in action in Iraq on Dec. 26, 2008. His father, Tony Inman, accepted an American flag from Gov. Rick Perry and Rep. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, in honor of his son’s service.

With onlookers packed in the House balcony, Crosby and Inman viewed the ceremony from the chamber floor.

The names of 126 fallen Texas servicemen and women were read, and the families present received flags and plaques in memoriam from the state. Two members of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band played echo taps from opposite sides of the balcony, stirring many of those gathered to tears.

Dr. Jerry Hardwick, founder of New Centurions, a Christian ministry in San Antonio, gave the invocation and benediction.

“We pray for those who have been laid to rest, and we pray for those who laid them to rest,” Hardwick said. “The eyes of Texas are upon you, because your son or daughter served this country.”

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst fought back emotion as he addressed the families. Dewhurst, an Air Force veteran, lost his father in World War II.

“Our hearts go out to you. I understand your pain,” Dewhurst said. “You honor us by being here today to honor your sons and daughters.”

Perry delivered a keynote address and personally met with the family members on the floor as each fallen soldier was recognized. He stated that the Capitol was not a place for debate during the memorial, but that every Texan should recognize the sacrifices the soldiers made.

“We are reminded that their sacrifice is the supreme display of love,” Perry said. “Today, we remember these Texans, the bravest of our lot.”
 
 
 

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