Raising A Flag To Honor The Fallen

By NICK YAMASHITA

The Progress

About fifty community members and veterans gathered at Pioneer Hill Cemetery in Overton on Monday, May 31 for a Memorial Day flagraising ceremony.

This annual observance was coordinated by the VFW Post 8336 and its Auxiliary. It was planned by Moapa Valley residents Dick and Lorraine O’Dell, who are part of the VFW Auxiliary and do it in remembrance of all the fallen heroes, especially their son who served as a Staff Sergeant in Afghanistan.
VFW Auxiliary Junior Vice President Lorraine O’Dell opened the ceremony by welcoming the crowd in attendance. The flag then was presented by special guest, Marine Lance Corporal Kevin Martinez, who served in the Marines from 2003-2008.

“This is a pretty big honor!” Martinez said. “It is an opportunity to share stories about those killed in action and those who fought for our rights and freedoms. We can remember them and the sacrifice they have made. Let us take this day and celebrate the rights and freedoms they died for. Let us not forget, but remember.”

Martinez has been a resident of Overton for about a year. He is originally from Irvine, California. Martinez served in the infantry through three deployments to Iraq.

“Being infantry, I dealt with the people every day in Iraq,” he said. “I saw much of what we dread of war. I saw many of my brothers injured or die and have lots of stories that could be told. All of that is why this is such an honor.”

Martinez performed the flag ceremony with VFW Post Commander Darcy Bushman. The two received additional help from some local young teens and boys. After the flag was raised up and back down to half-mast, the pledge of allegiance was recited by all in attendance and all joined in singing the national anthem.

Overton resident Bryan Mortensen offered a prayer for “peace and unity” for our nation and asking that the Constitution be upheld and protected.

Lorraine O’Dell recited quotations by Claudia Pemberton, Ronald Reagan, John F. Kennedy, and more.
“We must not only remember them but to live for them,” said Lorraine O’Dell of those who have fallen defending the nation.

She then quoted John F. Kennedy, “The highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”
The ceremony was then opened to any in attendance who wished to recognize their family members who are veterans, what conflict/war they were involved in, and their position with the military. One by one, most of the community members relayed their family military heritage from Army to Marines and all military branches. These included servicemen from War of 1812 to Civil War to World War II and Iraq. Every conflict/war, branch of the military, and all departments seemed to be represented. Stories of

sacrifice, stories of bravery, stories of humility. All for the freedoms we enjoy today.
Emotions ran high at times, solemnity surrounded the group, and flowers and patriotic emblems highlighted the nearby gravesites of veterans.

A dignified moment of silence to honor those we call heroes ended the ceremony.
Several stayed at the cemetery after the ceremony, cleaning and decorating gravesites, taking a moment to pay homage to those who gave so much, even the ultimate sacrifice, for their country.

A moment was given to Robert Kuczera (“Biker Bob”) to introduce a project he has been part of most of his life. The Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial in Marseilles, Illinois, hosts a Motorcycle Run and Ceremony to remember veterans. Bob seeks donations and information to get the names of all who died in the Middle East to be added to this Memorial. The Motorcycle Run this year is on June 19. For more information, contact Kuczera at (773) 255-2822 or by email at croadster850@aol.com.

“It was a good turnout, and we are happy to be able to meet in person and remember those who served us,” stated Lorraine O’Dell.