AUSTIN -- Lawmakers started Saturday's workday by leaving politics at the door.
State senators and representatives made their first order of business gathering in the House chamber to remember Texas military members who died in the line of duty -- and to thank their grieving families for their sacrifice."The work we do here at the Capitol is only possible because of those who have served," House Speaker Joe Straus said, noting that servicemen and women are the "heroes of a grateful nation."Gov. Rick Perry greeted people who lost their loved ones in Iraq and Afghanistan with handshakes and hugs during a two-hour ceremony at which families received Texas flags and condolences from many state leaders."As we honor these Texans who made the ultimate sacrifice, we will continue to offer our condolences," Perry told them."The people of Texas genuinely appreciate the service and sacrifice of your warrior. ... We lift you up in our thoughts and prayers."Those greeted by the governor included Amber Chisholm, the widow of Army Pfc. Benjamen Chisholm of Haslet, who is herself a veteran of military service in Afghanistan, where her husband, 24, a graduate of Northwest High School, was killed by a roadside bomb last year.Perry leaned close to the parents of Marine Lance Cpl. Shawn Patrick Hefner of Hico and whispered, "Your son was a good Devil Dog," using the nickname given to Marines by German adversaries during the 1918 Battle of Bellau Wood. Hefner was the only resident of rural Hamilton County to die in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, who retired from the Army after being seriously burned in the 9-11 attack on the Pentagon, helped read the names of the 96 Texans killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.Closing the ceremony was Lt. Col. Deon Green, stationed at Fort Sam Houston, singing Amazing Grace to the chamber. She cleared her throat and wiped her eyes before stepping up to the podium.This report includes material from The Associated Press and the Star-Telegram archives.Anna M. Tinsley, 817-390-7610Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
