Remembering All Who Served

ALLIANCE – To perhaps many people, Memorial Day is about a three day weekend, going to the lake and having a good old-fashioned cookout.

Memorial Day is a day to remember, honor and thank all of the women and men in the armed forces who served, who gave the ultimate sacrifice so the free world can remain free.

Across the country various groups, organizations, Veteran’s Cemeteries and more held events to pay tribute to those who put their lives on the line in defense of the United States of America, its allies and those across the world who are unable to protect themselves.

The National Veteran’s Cemetery in Alliance Nebraska held a ceremony to pay tribute to the soldiers past, present and future.

The event began of course with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the National Anthem. All those present – with the exception of some who could not stand due to age or disability – rose and saluted or put their hand over their heart as the patriotic Pledge and Anthem took place.

As people from Alliance and many other places took their seats, Cemetery Administrator Allen Pannell gave a heart-felt thank you to the armed forces. Pannell explained 38 veterans and veteran’s spouses were laid to rest in the past year.

One by one Pannell named each individual buried in the cemetery over the past year. If present, the family of the service member would rise, and Pannell thanked each and every family personally.

Some of those present verbally said thank you with Pannell, some closed their eyes and said a brief prayer, and others thanked those put to rest in their heads.

The Box Butte County Fair Court 2013 made it their goal and raised money for a headstone for the Unfinished Grave, revealing it together prior to hearing several service members speak briefly.

Keynote speaker State Senator Tom Brewer, District 47, talked of some of his experiences as he served in Afghanistan. He explained in October 2003 he was there to help train the Afghans who sought stability to face those who desired instability.

“We thought this was an impossible task until we found a little bit about who we were working with and we realized we had the potential for a very great army,” Brewer said.

After escorting a battalion of Afghan soldiers to the Pakistani border, Brewer said they were headed back to train another when they were hit by an ambush.

Brewer sustained six bullet wounds and had to be evacuated to a hospital in Germany. He said the whole process was done very well and he was treated with the utmost care all of the way to the hospital.

“The thing I remember the most is when that plane landed in Germany and the tail gate came down and that fresh German air and come shooting into that plane, and you’ve been smelling dust, dirt and all the things that come with Afghanistan, now all of the sudden it was a little bit like back home,” Brewer said.

Three years later Brewer returned for another of eight tours.

There he found his driver was a man with whom he previously served. He jokingly yet respectfully referred to the young man as a Six-foot tall Radar O’Riely. Those familiar with the television series “M*A*S*H” chuckled as they connected the reference.

Brewer told those present about this experience of his, which brought gasps and shock from many.

A thirteen year-old walked in amongst them and detonated a suicide vest. His friend and fellow soldier lost his life during the blast.

Brewer escorted the man back as he was flown back home to his family.

“When that ramp opened and I looked his family in the eyes, all of the air left my lungs,” he said. “All I could do is walk down and hug them.”

More than one of the people present shed tears as Brewer told the heart wrenching story.

He stayed with the family for the next few days and attended his friend’s service.

For many of those who do not understand the sacrifices the servicemen and servicewomen make, Brewer’s story had quite an impact. Visioning it in their heads, attendees got a glimpse into the dedication those serving the country have for one another and the sacrifice so many made.

Following his tearful recount of his experience, he and Pannell placed the wreath on the Unfinished Grave. Pannell explained earlier the Unfinished Grave will not be finished until the last of the armed forces are safely home.

As the flags surrounding the pavilion flapped in the wind, Pannell and Brewer stood alongside the Unfinished Grave, the men and women of the military saluted and the other attendees placed their hands over their hearts as TAPS was played in tribute to all members of all branches of the military.