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Colonel urges Friendswood to honor Memorial Day through daily actions
Summary
Colonel Helen Strohm George, a retired Army officer, delivered a Memorial Day keynote in Friendswood urging residents to move beyond ceremony and adopt a 'P-4' framework (people, processes, perceptions, paradigms) to honor the fallen through daily conduct.
Colonel Helen Strohm George, retired from the United States Army Reserve, delivered the keynote at Friendswood City’s Memorial Day ceremony, urging residents to remember the fallen by changing how they live after the holiday. Speaking to attendees gathered at the city memorial, she recited the officer's oath and described a "P-4" approach that looks at people, processes, perceptions and paradigms to deepen civic commitment.
"Remembrance is not just emotional," Colonel Strong George said, arguing that Memorial Day should prompt action rather than simply being a day of barbecues and sales. She asked attendees to place their left hand over their heart and repeat a pledge to "do better" and "live tomorrow with full purpose." The colonel recalled the training and discipline that prepare service members for sacrifice and emphasized that the loved ones who died were not symbols but daughters, sons, spouses and neighbors.
The ceremony included an invocation led by Staff Sergeant Dustin Wood, a presentation of colors by the Friendswood Police Department honor guard and musical tributes: a bagpipe medley by Rob Wise and "Taps" performed by Walter Steinke and Beau Hunter with the Friendswood Junior High band directors. Mayor Pro Tem John Ellsor introduced the guest speaker and recognized city council members in attendance, while Mayor Fullen extended his regrets for being absent.
The event closed with an invitation for veterans and active-duty personnel to come forward for a group photo at the memorial.
