This past Friday, September 11 the Lytle Masonic Cemetery Association hosted a flag raising ceremony in remembrance of the victims, first responders and military members who lost their lives on September 11, 2011.
The dedication was held at the Lytle Masonic Cemetery which was recognized as a Texas historic cemetery in 2023.
Speakers at the event were David Maddox, past master of Atascosa Masonic Lodge and chairman of the Lytle Masonic Cemetery Association, Susie Smith, Secretary of Lytle Masonic Cemetery Association and Mayor Ruben Gonzalez. Others in attendance were the Lytle High School JROTC corps, Lytle VFW, Lytle PD along with local community members.
David Maddox opened the event by welcoming everyone, leading the group in a pledge of allegiance and acknowledging important history on 9/11.
The JROTC then proceeded with the careful raising of the flag. Following that, Susie Smith spoke on the significance of the flagpole dedication.
“The Lytle Masonic Cemetery Association, which has maintained the cemetery since 1940, decided that a well-placed flagpole was needed to shape the way the cemetery feels. A flagpole can quietly set the tone. It tells people that care was taken in how the space was planned. It is where we remember our family members, neighbors, and veterans who shaped our community and protected our way of life. We have connected the lives remembered in this cemetery with the living spirit of our nation,” Smith said.
Mayor Gonzalez closed out the event by sharing his respects to the lives lost and also recognizing community members for their dedication to the cemetery and flagpole.
David Maddox, past Master of Atascosa Masonic Lodge and Chairman of the Lytle Masonic Cemetery Association.