FERNLEY — This year’s memorial ceremony at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley reaffirmed a growing message that no veteran will ever be forgotten.
Memorial Day at the state’s second-largest veterans cemetery honored service men and women of the last three wars and those who died before them, specifically during the first two world wars, Korea and other skirmishes throughout the world.
Rich Crombie, public information officer for the Nevada Veterans Coalition and narrator of the Memorial Day ceremony, said it is important to remember not only the fallen veterans buried at NNVMC but also in the cemeteries that extend from the Atlantic to Pacific oceans, from Arlington National Cemetery to the other side of the Potomac. River from Washington, DC, to Fernley.
“Tens of thousands of patriots like you, who love their country and support their military, have similarly gathered to pay tribute to those who have served and now passed away,” Crombie said.
After delivering his opening remarks, Crombie thanked parents for bringing their children to the Memorial Day ceremony so that younger generations can learn about the meaning of the day and the importance of duty, honor and service to his country. Crombie emphasized that Memorial Day is not about barbecues, selling mattresses or furniture or buying a car. It is to remember the veterans who died in the service of their country.
Before speakers delivered their remarks and after a wreath was placed at a memorial, veterans from Truckee Meadows Community College and the University of Nevada, Reno watched as Marine Corps veteran Felipe Gutierrez and Principal of TMCC Veterans Services handed out Operation Battle dog tags. Born: Ruck to Remember 2024 by Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony. Beginning this year’s four-day journey from a half-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at Eastside Memorial Park in Minden to NNVMC, veterans and volunteers took turns carrying two backpacks sharing nearly 7,000 plaques. identification of service members, including the 57 fallen Nevadans who made the ultimate sacrifice since September 11, 2001.
In addition to dog tags representing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, protesters also wore the 151 dog tags of Nevadans who died during the Vietnam War. Crombie said protesters physically and mentally carried these fallen heroes on their backs.
Gutierrez said today’s veterans also wanted to express their gratitude to those who served in Vietnam nearly half a century ago.
“We want to show our gratitude,” he said.
Gutierrez said 60 volunteers, many of them Marine Corps veterans, participated in the march that took them north from Minden and then east toward Fort Churchill, a former outpost where soldiers protected settlers and emigrants. heading west.
Anthony, who has chaired several events for veterans during his tenure, said Memorial Day remembers the fallen.
“We pay tribute to the brave men and women who gave their lives in the service of this great nation,” he said. “This Memorial Day, we gather in the community to reflect on the sacrifices of our veterans.
Anthony was also touched by the veterans and their friends who carried backpacks full of dog tags.
“Nevada has a proud history of military service,” he said. From the high desert valleys to the Sierra Nevada mountains, our communities encourage the dedication of the fallen in defense of freedom.”
Anthony said Memorial Day is a day to remember with deep gratitude. He said it’s fortunate to have communities that understand the importance of honoring veterans and their sacrifices.
U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., recognized veteran ruck marchers for their dedication and for remembering fallen heroes and their sacrifices. Rosen cited a strong family experience of service. Her father served in World War II, her grandfather was a tail gunner in the same war, and her father-in-law fought in the Philippines. Other family members also served in the military.
Republican Rep. Mark Amodei, who represents northern Nevada, and state Sen. Lisa Krasner, R-District 16, attended the hour-long ceremony, but neither spoke.
Crombie, a Navy veteran, also recognized the Blue and Gold Star families and briefly reflected on his son’s service in the military. His 20-year-old son, Pvt. 1st Class David Nick Crombie, died June 7, 2006, when an improvised explosive device exploded near the Humvee in which he was riding.
Before offering closing remarks, the Truckee River Brass Quintet played Amazing Grace and the NVC Honor Guard fired a volley of three followed by the honor guard buglers playing taps.
After the ceremony, most attendees walked around the hallowed grounds of the NNVMC, many stopping at specific gravesites. More than 8,000 veterans are buried in the state cemetery opened in 1990.
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