The National Museum of the Pacific War will host their Memorial Day commemoration program at 11:00 am in the Memorial Courtyard. Join us, as we remember those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today.

The program will include a keynote address by Brigadier General James J. Bisson, USA (Ret.), musical selection by recording artist Allora Leonard, and a wreath laying ceremony. The Enchanted Rock Strolling Duo will provide music in the Memorial Courtyard prior to the ceremony.

The ceremony will begin with the presentation of colors by the Fredericksburg High School NJROTC. The National Anthem will be sung by recording artist Allora Leonard, who will also perform a musical selection in the program, and followed with an invocation by Craig Barrack, youth pastor of First Baptist Church of Llano. The welcome address and reading of the names of ships, units and individuals listed in the NMPW’s Memorial Day Wreath Program will be given by Museum Director, David Shields.

Keynote Speaker Bio:

Brigadier General James Bisson began his military career when he was drafted in February 1967. He served as an infantryman with the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam from July 1967 to July 1968. He entered the Army National Guard in February 1971 and was direct commissioned as a 2d Lieutenant, Armor, in November of that year. He retired from the Army in April 2005. Bisson has commanded at all levels from platoon through brigade, and his last assignment was the Assistant Division Commander for the 36th Infantry Division and was concurrently assigned as the Director of Mobilization, U.S. Army Forces Command. During his 35 years, Bisson earned numerous awards and decorations including the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star Medal.