West, Texas Memorial at Baylor University

Thousands gathered at Ferrell Center on the Baylor University Campus to remember those killed in the West Texas fertilizer plant explosion. President Obama was in attendance.

Mourners for a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion line up outside the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. President Obama and Texas Governor Rick Perry are to attend. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

Mourners wait inline on South Park University Dr. for a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. President Obama and Texas Governor Rick Perry are to attend. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

Jewel Udenwatu, a health science studies sophomore, pets Mose, a comfort dog, before the start of a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. Comfort dogs travel the country to help residents emotionally recover from traumatic events. President Obama and Texas Governor Rick Perry are to attend the memorial. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

Former Woodway, Texas volunteer firefighter Mark Turner, watches a procession on South Park University Dr. before a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. President Obama and Texas Governor Rick Perry are to attend. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

Former Woodway, Texas volunteer firefighter Mark Turner, watches a procession on South Park University Dr. before a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. President Obama and Texas Governor Rick Perry are to attend. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

Waco and Bellmead firefighters untangle the American flag before a processional on South Park University Dr. honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. President Obama and Texas Governor Rick Perry are to attend. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

Former Woodway, Texas volunteer firefighter Mark Turner, far left, uses his cellphone to take photos of a procession on South Park University Dr. before a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. President Obama and Texas Governor Rick Perry are to attend. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

Mourners for a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion line up outside the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. President Obama and Texas Governor Rick Perry are to attend. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

An Atascocita firefighter stands at attention during a processional before the start of a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. President Obama and Texas Governor Rick Perry are to attend. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

Bynum, Texas firefighters ride atop their fire engine during a processional before a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. President Obama and Texas Governor Rick Perry are to attend. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

Firefighters and mourners stand at attention during a processional before the start of a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. President Obama and Texas Governor Rick Perry are to attend. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

Firefighters stand at attention as mourners applaud a West, Texas fire engine during a processional before the start of a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. President Obama and Texas Governor Rick Perry are to attend. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

A mourner covers her heart on South Park University Dr. during a procession of firefighters before memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. President Obama and Texas Governor Rick Perry are to attend. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

Mourners line South Park University Dr. for a procession of firefighters before memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. President Obama and Texas Governor Rick Perry are to attend. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

Firefighter honor guard members stand at attention before a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. President Obama and Texas Governor Rick Perry are to attend. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

An injured West firefighter, right, is helped to his seat before the start of a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

West emergency personal visit with an injured colleague during a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

Mourners embrace during a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

The general public and the families of those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion attend a memorial service at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

A West firefighter reflects during a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

A mourner wipes tears away during a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

United States Senator John Cornyn delivers remarks as President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama look on during a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

President Barack Obama delivers remarks during a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama attend a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

President Barack Obama reflects during a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

The Dallas firefighter Honor Guard rings a bell for each of the firefighters killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion during a memorial service at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

West Firefighters salute firefighters killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion during a memorial service at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

An Honor Guard bagpiper prepares to play Amazing Grace during a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

Honor Guard firefighters from several different departments salute the caskets of the firefighters killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion during a memorial service at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

Honor Guard firefighters from several different departments present American flags to the families of the firefighters killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion during a memorial service at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

Firefighters from several different departments present firefighter helmets to the families of the firefighters killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion during a memorial service at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

Mourners grieve during a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

Bryce Reed pauses for a moment at his brother's, Cyrus Reed, casket after a memorial service honoring those killed in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion at the Ferrell Center on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas on 25 April 2013. (Photo by Brandon Wade/EPA)

 

Memorial Day Ceremony at BlueBonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville

I covered Memorial Day services at BlueBonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Texas for the Star-Telegram.

US and Marine Corp. flags fly atop the gave marker for William H. Coke, Captain US Marine Corp. during Memorial Day services at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Monday, May 27, 2013. Special/Brandon Wade

US and Marine Corp. flags fly atop the gave marker for William H. Coke, Captain US Marine Corp. during Memorial Day services at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Monday, May 27, 2013. Special/Brandon Wade

American and US Air Force flags fly atop a grave marker of a veteran during Memorial Day services at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Monday, May 27, 2013. Special/Brandon Wade

A Colleyville firefighter insures that the American flag is secured to the ladder of a firetruck during Memorial Day services at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Monday, May 27, 2013. Special/Brandon Wade

Bob Northcraft, of the "Sons of the American Revolution," rings a ceremonial liberty bell during Memorial Day services at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Monday, May 27, 2013. Special/Brandon Wade

Members of the Colleyville Fire Department Honor Guard follow a casket pulled by horse in effigy of those who gave their lives in service to the country during Memorial Day services at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Monday, May 27, 2013. Special/Brandon Wade

Gary Hall of the American Legion Post 379 in Bedford and a Korean War veteran photographs members of the Colleyville Fire Department Honor Guard carrying a casket in effigy during Memorial Day services at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Monday, May 27, 2013. Special/Brandon Wade

Attendees of Memorial Day services observe a prayer lead by Chaplain (US Air Force Capt) Nathan Tucker, not pictured, at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Monday, May 27, 2013. Special/Brandon Wade

Members of the Colleyville Fire Department Honor Guard raise the American flag during Memorial Day services at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Monday, May 27, 2013. Special/Brandon Wade

Veterans and attendees of Memorial Day services stand at attention as the American flag is raised at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Monday, May 27, 2013. Special/Brandon Wade

Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard place four military dress hats, one for each branch of the military, at a table honoring POWs (Prisoner of War) and those MIA (Missing in Action) during Memorial Day services at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Monday, May 27, 2013. Special/Brandon WadeUS Air Force Ret. Lt. Col. Gene Harmon reflects during a ceremony honoring POWs (Prisoner of War) and those MIA (Missing in Action) during Memorial Day services at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Monday, May 27, 2013. Special/Brandon Wade

Chaplain (US Air Force Capt) Nathan Tucker speaks about the importance of remembering those who gave their lives in service to the country during Memorial Day services at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Monday, May 27, 2013. Special/Brandon Wade

With a casket in effigy honoring all those who gave their lives in service to the country, Charles Tucker speaks about his son's, Private First Class Steven Tucker, service in Afghanistan during Memorial Day services at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Monday, May 27, 2013. Steven Tucker was killed on May 21, 2005 by wounds sustained in a IED attack. Special/Brandon Wade

With a casket in effigy honoring all those who gave their lives in service to the country, Charles Tucker speaks about his son's, Private First Class Steven Tucker, service in Afghanistan during Memorial Day services at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Monday, May 27, 2013. Steven Tucker was killed on May 21, 2005 by wounds sustained in a IED attack. Special/Brandon Wade

Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard fire a 21 gun salute during a ceremony honoring POWs (Prisoner of War) and those MIA (Missing in Action) during Memorial Day services at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Monday, May 27, 2013. Special/Brandon Wade

Howard Hilliard plays TAPS during Memorial Day services at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Monday, May 27, 2013. Special/Brandon Wade

Charles Tucker holds onto a Gold Star plaque commemorating the induction his son, Private First Class Steven Tucker, into the Ring of Honor after Memorial Day services at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Monday, May 27, 2013. Steven Tucker was killed on May 21, 2005 by wounds sustained in a IED attack. Special/Brandon Wade