WACO, TX — This Veteran's Day, the nation is honoring the sacrifices our armed forces have made, and so are folks in east Waco.
"Oh he was just wonderful. I love him with all my heart. We was married 42 years before he passed," said Shirley Sims, the widow of Marine veteran and Purple Heart recipient Sgt. Luis Sims, Sr.
Sgt. Sims passed away five years ago, but his memory and the memory of other veterans live on with a little creativity.
“We just try to show our love by giving them anything we can. Food, advice, help, love... just come on stop by," said Luis Sims, Jr., Shirley and Luis Sr.'s son.
Because many veteran events in Waco were canceled due to the pandemic, Shirley put together a curbside event right in front of her own home, full of music and prayer. The goal was to let every veteran that stopped by know that they're not forgotten.
“It is a wonderful experience to be able to come and to enjoy the people here," said Gloria Arnold, a widow of a veteran.
People that stopped by got a free box of food to help hungry veterans who may find themselves in tough times.
"I'm very thankful. It means that there's still hope. Love is alive," said Alton Robinson, an Air Force veteran.
Visitors also heard personal stories from veterans and loved ones at the event, all with the same message.
“To my veterans, my supporters, I love you, and God bless you all for laying down your life for us," said Shirley.
Shirley says she hopes to continue helping veterans through her Sunday worship outside of her house.
