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May 30, 2007
Vets Memorial christened
By CHRISTINA EICHELKRAUT
The Stars and Stripes slowly rose above the new Veterans Memorial across from Chief Tecopa Cemetery Monday, while the mournful, solitary notes of Taps floated through the heat. The assembled veterans, survivors of the ravages of armed conflicts that spanned from the latter half of the 20th century to the war that rages in the Middle East today, stood and saluted slowly, as though their arms were heavy with the memories of their fallen comrades. It was hard to believe that only nine months ago the entire area was hardly anything more than a patch of weeds and brush. Less than a year ago, Jose Telles, chairman of the Marine Corps League special projects committee, listened to Matt Luis' plan for a Veterans Memorial across from the Chief Tecopa Cemetery. "(Luis) drew stuff in the dirt, and I didn't know what he was saying," Telles said, adding to appreciative laughter, "But like a good Marine, I faked it." But there was nothing fake about the lectern at which Telles stood, which was placed on a paved flag pavilion, in front of a wall adorned with the seals of the branches of armed forces. There was nothing fake about what had been achieved by hundreds, if not thousands, of volunteer hours, community support, and loving labor. Telles went on to explain how when he first scoped out the future site of the memorial, he found the plaque commemorating U.S. Army Pfc. Dan John Bailey Sr., who was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in World War II. Although the soldier had passed on, his memory would spur Telles, the Marine Corps League, and dedicated members of the community, from volunteer bricklayers to local businesses, to finish the memorial in time for the opening ceremony. The opening ceremony featured a long list of guest speakers, representing veterans from every branch of service and every armed conflict, including those who died serving their country in the Cold War -- service members are often glazed over in memorials because, out of necessity, their names or circumstances of their deaths are not known or have been concealed. Town Manager Dave Richards told of the oppression he had witnessed during his time in Lithuania, where people there were forced to attend memorial ceremonies for Russian soldiers who had died in liberating the country in 1944-45 -- and then occupying it for 50 years. The town manager described how the Lithuanians would stand, "quietly seething," and gave a sobering reminder to those assembled that "we are here by choice, not by force, and it is thanks to these veterans." Mary Mason, special assistant to Sen. John Ensign, read a prepared statement from the senator, in which he wrote, "It is one thing to tell our veterans that we appreciate their service to our country, but what a wonderful way to show them that appreciation than this dedication." Charlie Gronda, of the Pahrump Valley Garden Club, presented the Blue Star Memorial that hangs on the side of the museum, a symbol that garden clubs nationwide place to commemorate fallen soldiers. Jerri Smythe of the Pahrump Spring Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented a flag that was flown over the state Legislature April 7 to commemorate all veterans who have fought for the country since 1776. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 100054 ended the ceremony by laying flowers and a flag at the foot of the "Fallen Soldier" statue. Bronzed combat boots, a muzzle-down M-16 rifle and a helmet stand as a silent sentinel. In addition, Telles was presented with a Distinguished Service award by the Marine Corps League Commandant Ronald Mosner, who told Telles he was there "to eat my words." "You and the Marine Corps are to be commended," Mosner added. In addition, Telles was presented with a plaque for his work on the memorial presented to him by the Disabled Veterans of Nevada Commander Kyler Escalera. |
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