MEMORIAL DAY
ceremony at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley.
Katherine Miller, director of Department of Veteran Services, spoke on Sandoval’s behalf in Boulder City.
“Once every year, we acknowledge the debt we owe to the men and women, who, because they so cherished peace, chose to live as warriors,” she said. “Not every veteran laid to rest in this beautiful cemetery died in combat, but they all served their country and were prepared to give their lives if necessary to protect our country. So today we not only recognize the sacrifice of many, but the service of all who were laid here to rest.”
Miller’s speech was followed by keynote speaker Lt. Cmdr. Ed Giron, of the Naval Operation Support Center in Las Vegas, who echoed Miller’s sentiment.
“We recognize that all who have served understand that the risks are high, but the reward of freedom is definitely much higher,” Giron said. “Part of the fellowship we share is the knowledge that those who have sacrificed everything, we will never, ever forget.”
As the crowd slowly diminished following the service in the cemetery chapel, veterans from all branches of the armed forces shook hands as they walked past each other.
Nearby, two men, both in uniform, hugged as though they were old friends. In the background, Navin packed her belongings: the large photograph, flowers and other trinkets.
“Losing David was really a steppingstone to what became a mission to make sure our fallen heroes are not forgotten,” Navin later told the Las Vegas Review-journal. “Our veterans are the reason why we’re free today.”
Contact Rio Lacanlale at rlacanlale@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0381. Follow @riolacanlale on Twitter.