Honoring the Fort Hood Hug Lady
Sunday I had the privilege of attending the memorial service of Elizabeth Laird, known lovingly by many as The Hug Lady.
Mrs. Laird – a veteran herself – got the nickname “The Hug Lady” because, according to news reports, she began attending deployment and homecoming ceremonies at Fort Hood starting in 2003. She attended almost all of the ceremonies held during those 12 years, where she would give a hug to every single one of the deploying or returning service members. It is estimated that she gave over half a million hugs. Hundreds attended the funeral and helped to honor her memory – though I’m certain there were thousands more honoring her memory all across the world.
Mrs. Laird was once quoted as saying “Volunteering and encouraging others is what you are supposed to do.” I couldn’t agree more. I believe we are each called to service – whether that call is to serve our schools, communities, state, or country. The Hug Lady eagerly answered that call, and in doing so, she did so much more than give hugs – she loved and honored our nation’s service members. She leaves behind an important legacy – one of service to others. It is a legacy that will never be forgotten, and one I hope each and every Texan will join me in helping to carry on.