BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — In anticipation of Memorial Day, the Idaho National Guard hosted its annual dedication ceremony, honoring fallen soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
"This memorial park we have here at Gowen Field, it's a beautiful park that was created so the men and women of Idaho, and especially those who served here in the Idaho National Guard, can reflect on those Americans from Idaho who have made the ultimate sacrifice in support of their nation," said Commanding General Michael Garshak of the Idaho National Guard.
During the ceremony, 15 soldiers, airmen, and their families were honored with memorial bricks placed in the park this year.
"It's important that the people of America realize that we're a very fortunate nation who enjoy freedoms that you wouldn't find anywhere else in the world," Garshak continued. "There are certain men and women from the beginning of our country who have sacrificed to make those freedoms possible so we can go about our lives in pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness because of their service and their sacrifice."
Dan Nelson, a retired Army major and current director of Mission 43, a state-wide veterans advocacy group, also spoke at the event.
"It is truly incumbent upon all of us, as Idahoans and as Americans, to honor the sacrifices of the fallen by living a life worth fighting and dying for," Nelson said.
Nelson's remarks emphasized gratitude and mindfulness of those still affected by the losses.
"It is our obligation to remember those lost, as well as their families and comrades, who silently carry their memories," he added.
In attendance was 97-year-old Dale Hendry, a veteran of the Idaho Air National Guard.
"Airplanes were always one of my dreams and I was able to get in the guard with the fighter pilots. I'm just honored to be an American, honored to serve in the Idaho Air National Guard, greatest organization in the business," Hendry said.
Hendry shared what Memorial Day means to him and why he is proud to be an American.
"It's a special day to me, gives you an opportunity to remember members of your family that you've lost, and remember all of the people you served with and what an honor it was to serve with them. I'm proud to simply be an American and think about it, the greatest country in the world, and we've had a lot of people dedicate their lives making sure it stayed that way, and we're obligated as individuals to never forget that," Hendry said.
The Idaho National Guard's Memorial Day dedication ceremony serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless service members and their families in service to the nation.
ncG1vNJzZmihlJa1sLrEsKpnm5%2BifK%2Bx1qxmpaeTlrlwtcOan6hlnpbBqrvNmqNmn6WWv6V5x6ilqKqjYrOiuMuepWaglae8pr%2BMsKCtoF2isq670aKYpWWUlsZur8SrnKannq56osCMoKawnZ5is6qxy50%3D