Gov. Abbott’s remarks at Longview Memorial Day event include thoughts on Uvalde massacre

LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) - The “biggest patriotic event in East Texas history” took place Monday at Teague Park in Longview, and featured keynote speaker Gov. Greg Abbott.

Abbott spoke following a flag retirement ceremony under the direction of Boy Scout Troop 201, the pledge of allegiance led by Neal McCoy, as well as the singing of the National Anthem by Kim Donnette.

Also preceding Abbott was a flyover by four T-6 WWII airplanes, the placement of wreaths by participating honor guards, and Amazing Grace, performed on bagpipes by members of Longview Fire Department.

There was a 21 gun salute, the playing of TAPS, and a “missing man” flyover by the aforementioned planes.

Gov. Abbott broached the subject of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde last week, that killed 19 children and two teachers.

“Kids are on my mind today, because of what happened in Uvalde, Texas. There was a young girl who was an all-star baseball player herself who lost her life in that shooting. There are kids who work during the course of the school year so they can have fun over the summer time; kids who are not having fun,” Abbott said. “Parents who have lost their joy. So as we gather today I have a special request. I ask that you keep in your prayers the people of Uvalde, Texas. What happened in Uvalde was an act of evil. As Texans we must come together and lift up Uvalde and support them anyway we can. It is going to take time to heal the devastation families have seen and are going through. But be assured, we will not relent until Uvalde recovers. We are Texans and Texans will unite.”

Following Abbott’s remarks, a rededication ceremony was held for the old Boy Scout cabin at Teague Park - a cabin that Abbott spent time in as a boy.