City of Lufkin celebrates veterans with ‘Downtown Walk of Honor’

LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) - The city of Lufkin is honoring veterans this week with their annual Downtown Walk of Honor.

The event is a weeklong tribute that recognizes veterans in the city and throughout Angelina County.

"Each of our veterans walked a unique journey through their service," said Visit Lufkin Director of Tourism and Marketing Tara Hendrix. "It gives our community the opportunity to walk with them."

Displayed on shop windows are photos and a brief history of each veteran. Giving anyone who takes the time to stop and look, a window into the veteran's service and sacrifices that were made.

One veteran shared what the event means to him and his family.

"My being a veteran has given me a deep appreciation of what people do and what they go through," said Gordon Henley, the director for the Ellen Trout Zoo. "It's a different perspective and great overwhelming respect for our veterans that defend our country."

Henley, who also served in the Army, said he appreciates the city's honor walk. He submitted his son, who is currently serving in the Army, and even another veteran who he found by chance.

He came across a book that gave information on the some of the battles the U.S. took part in during the Vietnam War. In it, was Sergeant First Class Hoover Morris from Lufkin.

"Nobody should be forgotten," Henly said.

One small business spoke her agreement.

"Veterans are a big part of who we are as a nation," said Emma McDonald, co-owner of The White Peacock. "A conversation can start from a simple photo and from that photo you tell this person's story.

Visit Lufkin puts together the event every year. People who know of a local veteran, whether they are still alive or dead, can submit a photo with information.

"Honoring veterans is a way for us to express gratitude for the peace and freedom we enjoy today," Hendrix said. "These men and women made sacrifices that we will never understand and it's important as a city and as a community that we honor them and their commitment to our country."

The photos will be on display until Nov. 11 and can be seen walking down the sidewalks of Downtown Lufkin.