Fallon events recognize vets

Seventy years ago in September with the signing of an armistice between Japan and the United States, World War II officially ended.

Over the years, many veterans from that era have passed on, but for others, they remain to tell their stories of courage and heroism.

Several activities on Veterans Day honored both servicemen and women who not only served during World War II but also during other conflicts. Highland Village recognized veterans from all branches of the military at their fourth annual salute.

“It’s really important because they blazed the trail for the freedom we enjoy today and the democracy we have,” said Jeff Perthel, manager of Assisted Living and one of the co-organizers of Wednesday’s event.

During the ceremony, Highland Village also honored the men and women who served during the wars in Korea and Vietnam.

“They should never be forgotten. It’s an honor to sit with the folks and listen to the war stories — so to speak,” Perthel said. “It’s always good to keep those stories going. It’s part of their culture.

During the first part of the ceremony, Garrison Hardisty, commander of American Legion Post 16 in Fallon, handed out certificates to each veteran. Many veterans stood up first and exchanged salutes with Hardisty. After the event, Hardisty, a Navy veteran who served three tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, was moved.

“The tears in my eyes speak for themselves,” Hardisty said. “Watching these gentlemen stand up to return a salute shows the pride in their nation and patriotism in support of America.”

Hardisty said he felt overwhelmed.

One of the recipients, 94-year-old Roland Christiansen, said the ceremony means a lot to the veterans.

“We don’t want to forget to recognize these people,” said Christiansen, a Marine who spent six years in the corps. “I fought in a war that was fought to win.”

Highland Village also honored Kenneth Shockley, a World War II veteran who saw action on D-Day in 1944. Shockley recently died.

Another part of the ceremony recognized Vietnam veterans as part of the 50th United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. According to its website, “The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act authorized the Secretary of Defense to conduct a program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War and ‘in conducting the commemorative program, the Secretary shall coordinate, support, and facilitate other programs and activities of the Federal Government, State and local governments, and other persons and organizations in commemoration of the Vietnam War.’”

Dr. Lynn Kinsell of Fallon, state chaplain of the Nevada State Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, presented a copy of the “50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War” flag and DAR certificate to each Vietnam veteran and distributed 14 handmade quilted caddies, one for each veteran who relies on a walker or wheelchair.

“We thank and honor the veterans of the Vietnam War,” Kinsell said.

After the ceremony, Kinsell said their service was essential to the cause for which they went to war.

Kinsell said many demonstrators did not target the servicemen and women, but many veterans took it personally and it affected them deeply.

When she taught at Southern Illinois University from 1970-1976 in Carbondale, Kinsell said she found Vietnam veterans to be very dedicated students and very mature for their age.

Elks Lodge salute

The Fallon Elks Lodge 2239 conducted its annual veterans program on Wednesday night. In addition to honoring veterans, the Elks also explained the purpose of the POW/MIA place of honor and toast.

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Will Mayberry, an aviator who served as a weapons system officer aboard an F-18, was guest speaker. A second-generation Marine, he told of his father’s service in the Marines as an intelligent (Intel) analysis and how his youngest son, Tanner, was recently commissioned a second lieutenant in the corps and is attending officer school in Virginia.

Will Mayberry’s last tour as a member of the armed forces was at Fallon’s Naval Air Warfare Development Center (formerly Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center).

Mayberry gave a brief synopsis on the devastation World War I caused and the number of people who lost their lives. He moved from history to the present in discussing the challenges the United States military faces. One of the challenges deals with new recruits.

“Kids 17-24 cannot get into the military,” he said, citing a lack of education, having a record or being out of shape. “We as a country need to figure this out and get kids interested in Junior ROTC or the Scouts.”

Mayberry also told veterans about the dwindling funding for the military and its new equipment. He said the budget appears to be going down while equipment prices are going up. Although the United States remains as the strongest military powers in the world, Mayberry said, its adversaries are catching up with their technology.

“We must invest in the future and technology to stay ahead,” he pointed out.

Fallon Theatres honors vets

The Fallon Theatres offered a free showing of “The Bridge on the River Kwai” for veterans and their guests.

Also, members of Boy Scout troop 1776 attended after their flag ceremony at the regional park.

Dr. Stuart Richardson, owner of the twin theaters, said retired Navy officer Steve Endacott suggested the “The Bridge on the River Kwai” would be a good movie because of its message about leaders.

“He said they made midshipmen in the U.S. Naval Academy watch the movie for leadership training,” Richardson said.