Veterans attend military day at Legislature

For the first time in four years because of the pandemic shutdown two years ago, veterans including those from Fallon convened March 15 at the Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records building to be recognized for their service and to honor a comrade who died last year.

The Nevada National Guard and Nevada Department of Veterans Services sponsored Veterans and Military Day at the Legislature.

"First of all, it is the right thing to do to never forget and always remember those who served or continue to serve,” said Maj. Gen. Ondra Berry, adjutant general for Nevada. “You cannot have a great country without your veterans. The history of America begins and continues because of the military. Today is one of those moments in time we step aside and say, ‘thank you for your service.’ It brings pride back to those who served and that it meant something.”

Although it was a time for veterans to network and see old friends, the veteran community remembered Anthony “Tony” Yarbrough. Gov. Joe Lombardo, who served in the U.S. Army, Nevada Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve, signed a proclamation that was read by Fred Wagar, director of the Nevada Department of Veterans Services.

Tony Yarbrough’s son Mark and his wife accompanied the governor to a table where he signed the proclamation.

Wagar said Yarbrough served in the U.S. Navy and achieved the rank of chief petty officer before retiring. Wagar said Yarbrough founded the United Veterans Legislative Council to serve his fellow veterans and families. Furthermore, Wagar said Yarbrough ensured veterans and military families had a strong, unified voice at the Legislature.

Before signing the proclamation, Lombardo recognized Yarbrough in his opening remarks.

“For those who had the benefit of knowing Tony, he was the founder of the United Veterans Legislative Council or ULVC,” Lombardo said. “This year for the first time in a decade, Tony will not be part of the legislative council.”

Lombardo recognized Army veterans Andy LePeilbet, a Vietnam War veteran, who is leading the ULVC during this session.

Lombardo also acknowledged March as Women’s History Month and the contributions made by women in the military. He then noted this year is the 50th anniversary when combat operations began to wind down in Vietnam.

Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro and Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager offered introductory remarks.

Cannizzaro, who is the first female Senate leader in the history of the Legislature, represents a district northwest Las Vegas. She said it was humbling to speak before the veterans and military community, and she said it was important to support veterans.

Yeager, also from Las Vegas, said he comes from a military family. His grandfather served during World War II and received the Purple Heart, his stepfather is a Vietnam War veteran, and a brother recently retired from the Marine Corps as a major.

In addition to the presentation, various veterans groups set up tables to distribute information on their programs and the NDVS also recognized Veterans of the Month and Veteran Supporters of the Month.