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By Chuck N. Baker

(Boulder City, NV)– It’s no secret to Nevadans Governor Brian Sandoval has continuously stated he has been, and continues to be, determined to make the Silver State the most veteran and military friendly state in the nation. He continued to make that pledge a reality on Memorial Day during his remarks and actions at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In his remarks, he noted the Nevada State motto is “All for our country” and the State flag carries the statement “Battle Born.”

Some 350-plus people attended the annual event, hosted by the Nevada Department of Veterans Services. Sandoval spoke at length to the attendees, made up mostly of veterans, along with Reservists, elected officials, dignitaries, family members and allied groups such as auxiliaries, Boy Scouts, Devil Dogs and others. “Only when we remember our past do we lay the foundation for a stronger future,” Sandoval said. He continued by briefly noting a few of the major conflicts in which American servicemen have fought. Sandoval also mentioned it was one year ago that Nevada dedicated a world class monument to veterans in Las Vegas.

He noted the headstones outside of the cemetery building are “arranged with military precision” in yet another sign of respect … and he mentioned our flags fly at half staff as a mark of respect for those who laid down their lives. Sandoval said, “Joining us today are the men and women of the Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy, United States Coast Guard and our Merchant Marines. Today, we also honor our Gold Star families as the ones who bear the greater loss.” He gave those families in particular special tribute in his remarks. He continued to say, “Nevada families never, ever forget. The United States is the greatest nation on Earth, the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

A second keynote speaker was former U.S. Congressman Dr. Joe Heck, who is a Brigadier General in the United States Army Reserve. Heck said, “We gather here today because we feel compelled to a shared sense of patriotism to pay homage to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Not as a day of solemn mourning, but a day of reverent celebration dedicated to their character, their strength and moral fortitude.” He noted that as each year passes, the ranks of WWII veterans are reduced. “But we always remember, especially on Memorial Day . . . we must ensure that those sacrifices made shall not be in vain,” he said.

The services ended with a three volley salute by the Firing Honor Guard of DAV Black Mountain Chapter 12, the playing of “Taps” by the Trumpeters Alliance and a “Missing Man Formation” flyover by the Boulder City Veterans Pilot Group from north to south, over the Walk of Life section of the cemetery.

In an add-on ceremony outside of the chapel, never before a part of Memorial Day services at the veterans cemetery, the governor signed into law four veterans related bills. In full view of hundreds of veterans and others who witnessed the event, the governor explained each bill before signing. The bills are: SB33, that prohibits the foreclosure of property owned by military members or their dependents in specific cases; AB337, requiring employment protections for National Guard members; SB141, for veterans with a qualifying service connected disability to obtain license plates with handicap symbols; SB191, establishing a State standard for evidence of eligibility for veterans benefits.

A second surprise event was yet another add-on ceremony. Nevada Department of Veterans Services Director Kat Miller introduced Richard Carreon of the Nevada Veterans Association. Carreon quickly recited Sandoval’s accomplishments in making Nevada the friendliest State for veterans and military, and named the governor an “Honorary Non-Commissioned Officer.” Surprised and humbled with the unexpected honor and momentarily speechless, Sandoval accepted the certificate from Carreon and an assistant in the Association. Carreon said the honor was recommended by the Nevada Veterans Association and approved by the Nevada Veterans Council.

The Memorial Day ceremony was emceed by Bob Garlow, past state commander of VFW Post 36, and the invocation and benediction was given by Rev. Carl Fogg, Post 36 chaplain. The presentation and retiring of colors was by Catholic War Veterans Post 1947 Color Guard, with accompanying piper music by SAMS Post 711. Musical performances were also presented by the Grand Opera Society of Las Vegas choral group and soloists including songs “This is My Country,” “America the Beautiful,” God Bless the USA” and an Armed Forces medley.

At the start and the end of the services, musician and veteran Phil Esser played the guitar and sang the “Star Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America,” respectively. As a surprise to Esser and the attendees, Garlow went off-program and praised the musician for always contributing his vocal talents to the Memorial Day ceremonies. To loud applause, he presented Esser with a plaque commemorating the vocalist’s annual involvement.

For more sights and sounds of Memorial Day, check out the coverage by the Las Vegas Review Journal: https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/military/veterans-honored-at-memorial-day-ceremony-in-boulder-city/