Remembering the Fallen

The weather was inviting Monday as a large crowd of supporters gathered for the Memorial Day service at Greenwood Cemetery in Sidney Monday.

The service, held at the Veteran Section, was opened by Cheyenne County Veteran Service Office Fred Wiedeburg, followed by Evangelical Free Church Pastor Kyle Larson offering the invocation.

2021 Sidney High School graduate Elizabeth Weimer sung the National Anthem.

This year's guest speaker was SCPO Bobby Martinez, USN, Ret.

“I'm extra humbled to be here today,” Martinez said.

He said in addition to being humbled, he felt terrified.

“It's not the speaking to people that terrifies me. My terror comes with trying to honor someone who gave their all,” he said.

He talked about the history of Memorial Day, tracing to its called Decoration Day, for a day to adorn headstones. That changed in 1968, he said, to the last Monday in May.

He talked about the meaning of the words in the Medal of Honor citation.

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidly at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty...”

Martinez commended the more than 600,000 men and woman from our country's history to present day in Afghanistan, who gave up their lives in the service to their country, in combat.

Following Martinez' speech, Weimer sung “God Bless America.”

Lucy Stickley did the Laying Of The Wreath, and Pastor Larson offered the benediction.

The Honor Guard was led by MSG Les Larson, US Army National Guard, RET, following by the playing of Taps.

The program was presented by VFW Post 610, and assisted by Disabled American Veterans Chapter 40 and American Legion Post No. 17.