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Hurd gifts flag for Garner’s grave


Julye Keeble

Staff writer

As a documentary film crew from HBO captured the moment U.S. Rep. Will Hurd presented a flag to Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin Jr. to be flown at the Uvalde gravesite of John Nance “Cactus Jack” Garner III.

The ceremony was held Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Uvalde Cemetery, 1301 W. Main St.

After one of Hurd’s staff members recently noticed a flag flying over Garner’s grave looked a bit tattered, the congressman’s office staff decided to replace the flag with one flown over the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., in honor of the former vice president’s distinguished career.

Boy Scout Troop 479, sponsored by American Legion Post 479, led attendees in the pledge of allegiance.

Councilman Everardo “Lalo” Zamora welcomed guests, and spoke of the 30 years Garner served in the U. S. House of Representatives, from 1903-1933, spending two years as Speaker of the House.

In 1940, while serving his second term as vice president under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Garner hoped to succeed Franklin as president. When Roosevelt chose to seek a third term, Garner retired.

“Although many emerging Texas politicians sought his council, Garner chose a quiet life with his favorite hobbies of hunting and fishing,” Zamora said.

Hurd addressed onlookers before presenting the flag to McLaughlin, who accepted it on behalf of the city of Uvalde.

“From his time as Uvalde County Judge to his service as the 32nd vice president of the United States, Cactus Jack devoted his career to serving his community and his country,” said Hurd. “I’m glad we could present the city of Uvalde with a new U.S. flag flown over our nation’s capitol to honor this giant of a man and pillar of our community. It’s the least we could do for someone who did so much for us.”

At the closing of the event, Uvalde resident Alonzo Sanchez performed “Taps.”

A documentary film crew from HBO was also on site filming Hurd for a project in the works at the channel.

Garner

Garner died on Nov. 7, 1967, at his home in Uvalde, 15 days short of his 99th birthday.

He was born on Nov. 22, 1868, in Red River County, and was admitted to the bar in 1890. He moved to Uvalde to improve his health in 1892.

While practicing law, according to the Briscoe Center for American History, “His cases were diverse, ranging from land title disputes to horse and cattle theft. At one point, he owned the Uvalde newspaper as a result of a legal settlement.”

He married Mariette Rheiner on Nov. 25, 1895, in Sabinal.

He served as Uvalde County Judge from 1893-96, and was a member of the Texas State House of Representatives from 1898-1902, before serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. Garner was the 32nd vice president of the United States, serving from 1933-1941 in the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Julye Keeble|Leader-NewsU.S. Rep. Will Hurd (center) speaks to Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin Jr. (right) as he prepares to present a flag previously flown over the nation’s capitol to be posted over the grave of John Nance Garner. A cameraman from HBO captured the exchange, which took place Saturday at 3 p.m. at Garner’s gravesite in the Uvalde Cemetery.

Julye Keeble|Leader-NewsU.S. Rep. Will Hurd (center) speaks to Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin Jr. (right) as he prepares to present a flag previously flown over the nation’s capitol to be posted over the grave of John Nance Garner. A cameraman from HBO captured the exchange, which took place Saturday at 3 p.m. at Garner’s gravesite in the Uvalde Cemetery.

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