State district judge keynote speaker at annual ceremony in park
State District Judge Marc Carter, a longtime jurist and former military officer who started an innovative court to help challenged veterans mired in the criminal justice system, will be the featured speaker at Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Steve Radack’s annual Memorial Day ceremony.
The event starts at 2 p.m. on May 25 at the Harris County War Memorial in Bear Creek Pioneers Park and salutes local residents who paid the ultimate price during wartime.
The memorial is at 3535 War Memorial Drive and is near the park entrance off Eldridge Parkway.
The solemn ceremony will include presentation and posting of colors, the singing of the national anthem and “America the Beautiful” by Rachel Boettcher and opening and closing prayers by Pastor Ralph Douglas West of the Church Without Walls. There will also be a wreath ceremony, a 21-gun salute, participation by the Harris County Constable Precinct 5 Color Guard, the Houston Police Department Honor Guard and an exhibition by the Langham Creek High School Air Force Junior ROTC Howlers, an unarmed drill team.
Precinct 3 Parks Superintendent Steve Dorman will serve as master of ceremonies and introduce Carter, who has presided over the 228th Criminal District Court since his appointment by former Gov. Rick Perry in 2003.
In addition to his regular duties in the 228th Criminal District Court, the judge also presides over the Harris County Veterans Court — the first of its kind in Texas. The unique program collaborates with the DeBakey Veteran’s Hospital to provide vets facing problems in criminal courts with mental health and drug treatment options, job training and housing. His program, which can be accessed by all eligible veterans, has been featured on CBS’ “60 Minutes” and PBS’ “Need to Know.”
Anyone with questions about the monument or ceremony can call the Precinct 3 Parks Office at 281531-1592.