Local pastor shares full circle moment of being a part of this year’s Field of Honor ceremony
Seguin turns out to celebrate service, sacrifice plus community
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) -- The message of service came full circle during this year’s Field of Honor for Faith Lutheran Church Pastor Jeremy Pedersen. That’s because Pedersen stood before the crowd and a sea of 250 American flags not only as a pastor, but also as a military veteran.
For the sixth consecutive year, Faith Lutheran Church has hosted the Field of Honor on its front lawn, making it especially fitting that the church’s own pastor delivered this year’s keynote address. Bound by both military service and his calling to God, Pedersen reflected on the
nation’s 250th anniversary by encouraging those gathered to continue the legacy of serving others.
During his speech, Pedersen said the strength of the United States has always been found in ordinary citizens who answer the call to serve the common good.
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“Freedom Fiesta Lives In Me”: How a Community’s Memories Became a Song
(Seguin) — Over the past few weeks, something unexpected happened. When questions were raised about the future of the Freedom Fiesta name, this community spoke up.
Many of you shared stories about growing up with Freedom Fiesta. You talked about gathering with family, seeing neighbors you hadn’t seen in years, and introducing your children — and now your grandchildren — to a tradition that has been part of Seguin for generations.
Your comments weren’t just about a name. They were about what Freedom Fiesta means. As we read those memories, we realized they deserved to become something more. So, we turned them into a song — “Freedom Fiesta Lives In Me.”
The lyrics were inspired by the stories, emotions and passion you shared with us. From there, we produced the music, chose the style, directed the performance and selected Sanna’s licensed voice because it captured the feeling we wanted this tribute to have.
Yes, artificial intelligence was one of the tools we used in the production process. But this isn’t a song that a computer simply invented. Every creative decision — from the message and lyrics to the sound and emotion — was guided by us, with one goal in mind: creating a musical tribute worthy of the community that inspired it.
We honestly had no idea what the reaction would be. We simply started playing it on KWED. Then the phones started ringing. People wanted to know who sang it, where they could hear it again, and how it came to be. That response has been incredibly rewarding.
This song is our gift back to the community. A thank you for reminding all of us why Freedom Fiesta matters. We hope you’ll enjoy it, sing along, and make a few more memories this Independence Day. Because Freedom Fiesta isn’t just an event. Freedom Fiesta lives in us all.
Happy America’s 250th! We’ll see you Saturday, July 4, from 6 to 11 p.m. in Central Park for Freedom Fiesta.
You can download the song at https:// media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wpcontent/blogs.dir/2221/files/2026/06/ freedom-fiesta-lives-in-me.mp3.
Darren Dunn
Seguin ISD invites public to weigh in tonight on proposed 2026-27 budget
(Seguin) -- Residents will have an opportunity tonight to sound off on the proposed Seguin ISD school budget.
The Seguin ISD Board of Trustees will hold a public meeting to discuss the proposed 2026-2027 budget and tax rate.
The public hearing is designed to give community members the chance to ask questions and provide
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comments directly to district staff and members of the board before trustees consider adopting the budget. The proposed budget can be viewed at http://www/seguin.k12.tx.us/page/ business.transparency. The link to view the budget can also be found on the school district’s website.
Following the public meeting, the board is scheduled to consider the adoption of the district’s 2026-
He shared how each of the 250 flags represents a story of sacrifice, commitment and service that should inspire future generations to give back to their communities, whether through military service, volunteerism or simply helping their neighbors.
He also reminded attendees that no one serves alone, noting that service members are supported by families, churches, schools and entire communities. As an example, he pointed to the Field of Honor itself -- praising organizer Connie Ramirez for bringing the tribute to Seguin after being inspired by her own daughter’s decision to serve in the military.
Following the ceremony, Pedersen shared how seeing the community gather around the display was a powerful reminder of what the event represents.
“It’s wonderful seeing the support of the community. And back to Mrs. Ramirez like she started it to serve, right? To be better to their fellows. And that’s what this is all about. It’s just service and honoring those who serve as we continue our legacy of service -- celebration of what makes this country great,” said Pedersen.
Pedersen also shared how fortunate he is that his own life has been shaped by both military service and ministry.
“It’s both. It’s serving our God and serving our country. That’s what I do in both these places,” said Pedersen.
As for the American flags that wave outside the church windows, he says they are a clear depiction of what this country is all about.
“It’s awe-inspiring, a little overwhelming, but most certainly awe-inspiring as we share all the people who have served and inspires us to serve going forward,” said Pedersen.
Saturday morning’s ceremony also included remarks
2027 General Operating Fund, Child Nutrition Fund and Debt Service Fund budgets.
In addition to the budget discussion, the board also is scheduled to consider recommendations from the district’s Library Material Challenge Committee.
The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Seguin ISD Board Room located at 1221 E. Kingsbury St.
from Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen. Live music was provided by local musician Clint Taft, while local resident Roxanne Heckmann performed “Taps.” The Disabled American Veterans Color Guard and the Guadalupe Valley Young Marines also participated in the ceremony. Guests enjoyed free hot dogs, ice cream and children’s games throughout the event.
The display features 250 American flags planted in memory or in honor of military personnel and first responders. Flags may also be dedicated in honor of veterans and service members in general, rather than a specific individual. Flag dedications are $35 and will go home with each donor following the display. The display will remain on the church grounds through Sunday, July 5.
Those wishing to dedicate a flag may do so online through the Healing Field website at healingfield.org/ event/seguin-tx. Because online purchase reports can sometimes be delayed, organizers encourage last-minute purchasers to contact a committee member directly such as Donna Smith at 830-534-5448.
Faith Lutheran Church is located at 1326 E. Cedar St.
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Kids to take center stage at Saturday’s Freedom Fiesta
(Seguin) -- This Saturday night’s KWED Freedom Fiesta will have plenty to keep kids entertained from start to finish.
Leading the lineup is the festival’s popular $10 all-you-can-jump wristband, giving children unlimited access to several giant inflatable attractions throughout the evening. The massive moon bounces, obstacle courses and inflatable games, courtesy of HR Party Rental, have no doubt become one of Freedom Fiesta’s biggest attractions, allowing kids to play all night for the $10.
For those looking for even more excitement, children can test their courage on the mechanical bull ride for $5.
Also, making its Freedom Fiesta debut this year will be a petting zoo. Cost is $5 per child.
Festival-goers will also get to enjoy animal balloon creations; face painting
plus kids’games hosted by Seguin’s Field of Honor committee.
Families won’t also want to miss the Kids and Adult Dance Party featuring DJ DTrayne, who will keep folks dancing with upbeat music and plenty of interactive fun. Seguin Radio KWED is teasing a few special guests expected to make an appearance around 8 p.m., adding another surprise to the evening’s entertainment.
Kicking off Saturday night’s festival will be the annual Kiddie Parade, sponsored by the Guadalupe County Republican Women. Children are invited to decorate wagons, strollers, bicycles, scooters or motorized ride-on vehicles — or simply dress in their patriotic best — before marching around Central Park behind Uncle Sam following the opening ceremony.
Lineup begins at 5:30 p.m. on Donegan Street behind the Guadalupe
County Courthouse, with the parade stepping off shortly after the 6 p.m. opening ceremony.
While awards will once again be presented for the most patriotic entries in several categories, KWED says there’s an extra incentive this year.
It says every child who participates in the Kiddie Parade will automatically be entered into a drawing for a special grand prize, courtesy of the Law Office of Ruben James Reyes.
There is no registration or entry fee for the Kiddie Parade. This year’s Freedom Fiesta is also being co-sponsored by the city of Seguin. The event will be held on the actual night of the Fourth from 6 to 11 p.m. in Seguin’s Central Park. Live entertainment will be provided by Clint Taft and the Buck Wild Band. Also featured will be dozens of food trucks, vendors and a beer garden hosted by the Knights of Columbus.
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
MADD Says Breathalyzers Keep Millions Of Drunk Drivers Off The Road
(Washington, DC) -- In-car breathalyzers are being credited for preventing millions of drunk-driving attempts over the last 20 years. The breathalyzers have ignition interlocks that keep drivers with too much alcohol on their breath from starting their vehicles. Mothers Against Drunk Driving, known as MAAD, has released a new report claiming breathalyzers have prevented about five-point-seven-million drunk-driving attempts. The report also grades each state’s ignition interlock law, and found many U.S. states still have legal loopholes that allow DUI offenders to avoid installing breathalyzers. Eleven states, along with the District of Columbia, received an A grade.
Shingles Vaccine May Provide Significant Protection From Dementia
(Providence, RI) -- The shingles vaccine may provide significant protection from dementia in older adults. That’s according to a study out of Brown University School of Public Health in Rhode Island. The lead author, Dr. Kaley Hughes, found that one in 17 dementia cases could possibly be prevented by shingles vaccination. It’s an important finding because, according to the CDC, 99-percent of Americans born in 1980 or earlier had chickenpox which is caused by the varicella-zoster virus which triggers both chickenpox and shingles. One-million people in the U.S. develop shingles every year when that childhood virus becomes reactivated. The study is published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Gambling
Disorder Spikes In Legalized Sports Betting States
(Wilmington, DE) -- Diagnoses of gambling disorder is on the rise in states that have legalized sports betting. Gambling disorder is a recognized mental health condition in which patients who often cannot stop gambling, despite the growing distress and harm they experience. A new study by Epic Research shows that diagnoses are up more than 60 percent since 2018, with the biggest increase among young men. The study found a 30-percent decline in gambling disorder diagnoses in the eleven states that did not legalize sports betting.
NDSU, Sanford Health Launch GLP-1 Study
(Fargo, ND) -- North Dakota State University and Sanford Health are launching a new research study on GLP-1 medications. The project is being backed by a 210-thousand-dollar investment from NDSU, Sanford Health and the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. Researchers will evaluate a wide range of outcomes tied to GLP-1 usage, including changes in bodyweight, body composition, balance and fall risk, quality of life and health care utilization. Enrollment for the study is expected to begin in late July. Estimates suggest one in eight adults use GLP-1 medications.
School
Summer Reading Experience Underway at Seguin Public Library
The Seguin Public Library is inviting readers of all ages to participate in its 2026 Summer Reading Experience, “Unearth a Story.” The free program features books, activities, special events, and opportunities to win dino-mite prizes throughout the summer. Children, teens, and adults are all encouraged to join. Registration is available in person at the library or online at Seguin Public Library Summer Reading Experience. No library card is required to participate. Participants have until Aug. 6, 2026, to complete their activity boards and be entered into drawings for raffle prizes.
National Reunification Month
SJRC Texas is recognizing June as National Reunification Month, a time to celebrate the safe reunification of children with their families and to raise awareness about the importance of family preservation. Reunification is the primary goal for children in foster care whenever it is safe and appropriate. Learn more about the services and support available through SJRC Texas.
Field of Honor Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary
The public is invited to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday at the Field of Honor’s Birthday Party on Saturday, June 27, beginning at 10 a.m. The event will feature guest speakers, live music by Clint Taft, free hot dogs, chips and drinks while supplies last, plus family-friendly activities including a fish pond, duck pool, bean bag toss, coloring table and prizes for children. Flag dedications will also
be available. Organizers invite the community to join them as they help kick off the Fourth of July festivities.
Junior Lifeguard Program
The Seguin Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a Junior Lifeguard Class from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 25 at the Seguin Wave Pool, located at 1 Wave Pool Drive. The class is open to participants ages 9 to 15 and will teach basic first-aid, CPR, water safety, rescue techniques, communication skills and lifeguard responsibilities. Participants must be able to swim and complete a swim-tread-swim sequence. This is not a learn-to-swim program and does not provide official lifeguard or CPR certification. The cost is $40 per participant. Participants should bring a swimsuit, sunglasses, towel, water, hat and a cold sack lunch. For more information, call Seguin Parks and Recreation at 830-401-2480.
July
Freedom Fiesta on July 4
The community is invited to celebrate Independence Day at Freedom Fiesta on Saturday, July 4, in Central Park in downtown Seguin. Activities begin at 6 p.m. and continue until 11 p.m. The event will feature music from DJ D’Trayne and Clint Taft and the Buck Wild Band. There will also be food vendors, a beer garden, inflatables, family activities, and the annual Kiddie Parade. Admission is free. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of patriotic fun as Seguin celebrates the Fourth of July and America’s 250th birthday. Freedom Fiesta is hosted by KWED Ra-
dio and is open to the public. For more information, call KWED Radio at 830-379-2234.
Kiddie Parade Set for July 4 in Seguin
Children and families are invited to take part in a patriotic Kiddie Parade at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, at the gazebo on Donegan Street in downtown Seguin. Participants can march or ride decorated bicycles, scooters, strollers, and other patriotic “floats” behind Uncle Sam, portrayed by Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray, as the parade makes its way around Central Park. Prizes will be awarded for the top entries in riding, walking, stroller, and motorized categories. Participation is free and open to the public. The event is organized by the Guadalupe County Republican Women. For more information, contact Kelly at 830-463-7549 or email kdfoll123@yahoo.com.
CASA of Central Texas Foster Care Simulation
CASA of Central Texas will host a free Foster Care Simulation from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, at Gruene United Methodist Church, 2629 E. Common St. in New Braunfels. Participants will experience the challenges and realities of the foster care system through an interactive simulation. Registration is required. For more information, visit casacentex.org.
To ensure non-profit organization’s meetings and events appear in this calendar, send information to: communitycalendar@kwed1580. com, or drop off the information at the Seguin Daily News/KWED offices located at 609 E. Court St. in Seguin. For best results, submit information at least two weeks prior to the event.
