Spring Fire Honor Guard Honors America’s Fallen

By Hannah Falcon

On Memorial Day, the Spring Fire Department Honor Guard braved the Texas heat in full uniform in remembrance of America’s fallen.

(Photo: Spring Honor Guard)

Formed a year ago by Spring firefighters Michael Alaniz and Kevin Wise, the Honor Guard represents Spring at solemn occasions, such as remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty. The Spring FD Honor Guard revives a tradition to present the colors at funerals, badge presentations and remembrance events such as Memorial Day.

(Photo: Firefighter Michael Alaniz)

“It means a lot to me, because I served in the [Marine Corps] and I also lost people. So, it means a lot to be able to still be involved in what we do, when everything we do is in representation and recognition of everyone that came before us,” said Alaniz, one of the seven members of the Honor Guard along with Aaron Chaplin, Amanda Erekson, Fernando Martinez, Shawn Maya, Josh Posey and Kevin Wise.

(Photo: Spring Honor Guard in formation)

For the Memorial Day ceremony, all the first line units gathered at Station 71 in paramilitary formation for a moment of silence and playing of the taps after Alaniz spoke on the importance of the holiday.

(Photo: Firefighter Kevin Wise)

“I’m proud to be a part of it and that I’m actually making a difference and making some sort of contribution to make it better for the future,” Alaniz said.

Photos by Joe Buvid

Hannah Falcon is a sophomore Communication major at Texas A&M University. A Staff Writer and Life & Arts Editor for the Texas A&M Battalion, Falcon is spending the summer as a volunteer writer for Spring Fire Community News.