A tribute to the fallen

Tribute. Remembrance. Honor.

More than 100 gathered at the Kimball Cemetery in remembrance of fallen heroes.

Each year, as the event grows, coordinators, singers, speakers and presentations are added to honor the veterans who are no longer with us.

Kimball County Veteran Service Officer, Bob Jenner, planned a tribute to Kimball County's most senior veteran, Walt Wann, this year. A flag, previously flown over the Capitol of the United States, was acquired, folded and placed in a triangular box for Wann, who suffered ill health as of late.

Wann was presented with the flag earlier this month, and would have been publicly presented with the same, but just one week prior to the Memorial Day service, Wann passed away. Walt's son, Jim Wann, was presented with the flag in his stead.

Kimball Mayor Keith Prunty welcomed the crowd and urged them to never forget those who fought, and died, for the freedom we enjoy.

"I would ask that as you leave here and go about the rest of your day, to keep the fallen in your minds and their family and friends in your hearts, for it is their immense collective sacrifices that have helped keep our communities and country safe and free," he said. "As long as we continue to honor them, with our actions, and remember their sacrifices, they will never be forgotten. On this solemn day we must recommit ourselves to standing up for our veterans; we must never stop fighting for them, they never stopped fighting for us."

Pastor Rich Thomas of the First Baptist Church offered an opening prayer and past and current VFW Post #2243 Auxiliary presidents, Joyce Witt and Amy Sapp, laid a wreath on the tomb of the unknown soldier.

"Regrettably, a poll in 2000, reveals that 28 percent of Americans don't know the true meaning of Memorial Day," VFW Post #2243 Commander Ed Russell said. "The meaning is to remember the men and women who died serving in our nation's armed forces."

What began as Decoration Day, to honor Civil War soldiers, the holiday became a day of remembrance for all fallen soldiers following World War I. Decoration Day became Memorial Day following World War II and was then celebrated on the last Monday of May.

"To help Americans remember the true meaning of Memorial Day, Congress passed the National Monument of Remembrance in 2000," Russell said. "It asks everyone in the United States to pause at 3 p.m. for one minute as a symbolic act of unity to remember those men and women who have died in pursuit of our freedom and peace."

Local veterans Alex Engstrom, Matthew Shoup and Doug Provance demonstrated the 13 folds of the American flag while Jenner recited what each fold stands for.

The flag, once folded, was presented to Pamela Powell, the daughter of Billy P. Evans, a local veteran to whom it belongs. Evans, who passed away in August 2016, was a Sergeant in the United States Army and served during World War II.

This year Lieutenant Colonel George L. Chapman, Commander of the 320th Missile Squadron from Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyo., addressed the gathering with words of tribute and an emotional plea to never forget.

"As I was driving into the cemetery today, I could tell that Kimball cares," Chapman said. "You guys did a fantastic job of decorating the headstones and grave markers of everyone buried here – and that is special. I think you should be very, very proud of that."

Chapman expressed thanks to the communities in Kimball County for the unwavering support and patriotism his squadron receives when passing through.

"It is no surprise that this state produces some of our finest military men and women," Chapman said. "Our nation's ICBM forces dot America's Heartland; I think this is very symbolic. Our ICBMs are surrounded by communities who represent the best qualities of our country in terms of patriotism, hard work and solid values."

Chapman continued with a message befitting Memorial Day, quoting Scottish poet Thomas Campbell and Thomas Jefferson.

"Today is Memorial Day, a day which solemnly recognizes those who paid the ultimate sacrifice; those who laid down their lives while serving in the military," he said.

He recited a letter from the commander of his squadron, dated 1944, to a Mrs. Kelly following the loss of her son on 11 March, 1944.

"Just last week a team of specialists successfully located the final resting place of the bomber Lieutenant Kelly had been aboard, which had been named 'Heaven can Wait'. Perhaps now Lieutenant Kelly's family can find a certain measure of peace."

He echoed sentiments of comfort given by Thomas Jefferson to the loved ones grieving the loss of their veterans.

"In closing, Memorial Day has always held a special place in my life. The first Memorial Day was celebrated on the 30th of May and for many years, May 30 was the date set aside to observe Memorial Day – May 30 also happens to be my birthday. Every year I cannot help but conflate these two events. Whenever I celebrate the life I was given, I cannot help but think of those who have laid down their lives to make this life possible," Chapman said. "May we all take time today, and every Memorial Day, to take the time to remember and honor the men and women who have fought and died in the pursuit of liberty and freedom."