A crisp November weekend in East Texas brought together faith, family, and service as Texans from across the state gathered to celebrate a legacy spanning centuries.
The two-day “Souls Made of Gold” event, held from November 8 to 10, honored veterans, preserved local history, and announced the creation of the region’s first state veterans cemetery.
The celebrations began at Shiloh Cemetery in White Oak with a procession and revival honoring Buffalo Soldiers, Korean War veterans, WAVES, and members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Families listened as stories of sacrifice and faith illuminated the enduring bond between military service and community spirit.
Later that day, the Texas African American Museum in Tyler hosted a tribute to Pastor Kyev Tatum and the Christian Family for their role in preserving veteran history. The museum’s recognition celebrated its decades-long work supporting faith-based service and historic preservation in East Texas.
On November 10, the weekend culminated at the Christian Resource Center in Tyler, known locally as the Buffalo Soldiers Building. Harrison County Judge Chad Sims took the podium to announce the establishment of the East Texas State Veterans Cemetery, made possible by a 64-acre land donation from the Christian Family.
“Today, we turn a dream into destiny,” Sims said, according to KLTV News. “The East Texas State Veterans Cemetery is officially approved, ranked number sixteen among federal projects nationwide. This sacred ground, generously donated by the Christian Family, will honor our heroes and serve as a foundation for generations to come.”
The $16 million project, approved by the National Cemetery Association, will sit near I-20 and FM 968 in Harrison County. Sims said bidding will begin in October 2026.
The Christian Family’s legacy spans Smith, Gregg, and Harrison Counties, where their faith-driven initiatives have supported education, veteran reintegration, and community development. “Faith without works is dead,” said Debra Christian. “Remembering our veterans is not enough. We must provide them with tools, opportunities, and love.”
That same spirit of service continues in Tarrant County, where the sheriff’s office collaborates with detail crews and community groups to have recently restored the historic New Trinity Cemetery in Haltom City. The cleanup uncovered additional graves of Black veterans, Buffalo Soldiers, and Tuskegee Airmen — ensuring their stories, too, are remembered and honored.