Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
From America's founding revolution to the global war on terror, nearly one million men and women in the armed forced have made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom, said Staff Sgt. Cody Green of the 1057th Transportation Company in his opening remarks at the Memorial Day ceremony held Monday in Sidney.
"The number of fallen heroes is not just statistics," SSgt. Green said. "They are real people, with real families, who live in real communities. We can best honor their sacrifice by remembering their families, who have lost so much.
"Freedom is not free. It's only possible because our fallen heroes have paid its high price."
As Memorial Day is the unofficial beginning of summer, Green urged that Americans never forget its true meaning as a day to remember those who sacrificed.
More than 100 people joined at Greenwood Cemetery to remember the fallen, where grave sites were adorned with flowers, momentos and American flags. On display were service flags and uniforms worn by American service men and women through the years.
Those present heard the perspectives of servicemen, both active and retired, on their service and what it means to them.
Asked to provide his take on sacrifice, Sgt. Jon Monheiser, also of the 1057th based in Sidney, said sacrifice isn't easy to explain.
"It's not just the time sacrificed," Sgt. Monheiser said. Being away from family – missed birthdays, anniversaries and other activities are only part of it. He said much of the sacrifice he saw came during his deployment in Iraq – sacrifice not seen on the news. Much of the sacrifice soldiers saw was experience by civilians in those war zones, by people who's normal was far from anything many Americans see.
Speaking in the final spot was U.S. Army Staff Sargent (retired) James L. Schilling who shared something that has stayed with him his entire life.
On his first day of boot camp after being drafted into the infantry, Schilling said he saw a sign with the words "Duty, Honor, Country" in the mess hall. Those words, spoken by Gen. George S. Patton in 1962, are words Schilling feels apply in many situations of life.
"I carry those words with me even into today," Schilling said.
Laying of the wreath in front of the soldier's memorial, which signifies both the beauty and brevity of life, was among the activities. Following a 21-gun salute, "Taps" was played – the traditional last call of the ceremony.
The program was presented by V.F.W. Post 610, American Legion Post 17, and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 40.
Reader Comments(0)