TEXARKANA, Ark. - A rifle salute and bugle calls sounded early Saturday at the Arkansas Welcome Center on Interstate 30, marking the tragedies of 9/11 and rendering honors.
Marine Corps League Chapter 1149 members, all former Marine Corps members, performed the rifle salute, raised and lowered the flag and played the bugle calls of "To the Colors" and "Taps" as the golden sun radiated.
"Americans are still patriots, they still love this country," said Unit Commander Richard Hall, a retired gunnery sergeant, or "Gunny," to Marines. "They have not forgotten the flag or this day."
A small group of nearby civilians took in the event with a peaceful, somber air, remembering this day, what it meant then, and now.
Hall did a full 20-plus service term with the Marine Corps, starting in 1954 and retiring 1975. He has served with the Marine Corps League since 2000.
"The Marine Corps runs deep in our hearts," he said of himself and the league members who accompanied him Saturday to perform this memorial and recognition of this event.
"We are honoring the vets and those serving still," he said. "Our organization also serves the communities in which we live. There are still people in need and where folks need help, you'll find Marines."
This is the first time this league chapter has done a 9/11 event, but Hall says that such things are commonplace for their organization.
Richard Perrish, who served in the Corps from 1962 to 1966 and left the Corps as a corporal, has been in the Marine Corps League for four months.
"Gunny encouraged me to join up," he said. "I had no idea this organization existed before he approached me. It would be good to help let the public know we are out here."
Reflecting on 9/11, Perrish acknowledges mixed emotions.
"It is, but mostly poignant," he said. "But it is all about remembering and honoring those who served and serve still."
He especially proudly noted his son-in-law, Lt. Col. Matt Ramage.
"He's trained as an aerospace medicine doctor," he said. "He was active Air Force, now he serves in the Reserves. Service is still important to note, especially on a day like this."