A small Nevada town is set to become home to a first-of-its-kind tribute honoring WWII service members.
The Town of Gardnerville has been selected as the preferred location for a national monument honoring World War II service members of Basque descent. The North American Basque Organization announced the decision during its February 13 meeting in San Francisco.
The monument is planned for a prominent site at Heritage Park, chosen over competing locations in Idaho, California, and Nevada.
Jean Flesher, president of N.A.B.O., said Gardnerville’s strong Basque heritage and long-standing relationship with the Basque community made it an ideal choice. The town’s historic ties to the region’s sheep industry are reflected in its Basque heritage, especially in local restaurants. Gardnerville is also home to three highly decorated WWII service members of Basque descent, the Etchemendy brothers.
“The choice of Gardnerville is deeply meaningful,” Flesher said. “It’s a place where Basque culture has thrived for generations, and where my own family’s story began. Having the monument here connects our history, our service, and our families in a powerful way. We’re proud that this tribute will stand in a town that continues to honor the contributions of the Basque people.”
To date, more than 2,150 WWII service members of Basque descent have been identified across 30 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Nevada accounts for 311 of them, trailing only California, 869, and Idaho 329. The National Basque WWII Veterans’ Memorial will be the first monument in the United States dedicated exclusively to honoring veterans of Basque ancestry who served during the war.
Gardnerville’s Basque roots remain active through the Mendiko Euskaldun Cluba. The club has about 300 members and hosts annual festivals that draw people from across the West. The group highlights Basque music, sports, food, and culture.
Constructed in its current form in 2003, Heritage Park serves as a centerpiece for town events. The north side of the park includes a pavilion for public gatherings, while the south side is reserved for memorial installations. The planned monument will cover about 450 square feet and include the names of all identified Basque WWII service members.
“This memorial ensures that the legacy of these service members will never be forgotten,” said Town Manager Erik Nilssen. “For generations, Gardnerville has celebrated its Basque roots, and this monument adds another meaningful chapter to that history. The Town is honored to serve as the caretaker of such an important symbol of sacrifice and heritage, and we will treat it with the utmost respect and reverence.”
The Gardnerville Town Board is scheduled to review the monument’s conceptual design and proposed placement during its April 7 meeting. N.A.B.O. plans to complete and dedicate the memorial by December 2026, marking the 85th anniversary of the United States’ entry into World War II.
N.A.B.O. is seeking tax-deductible donations as it works toward its $500,000 fundraising goal. More information is available at nabasque.eus/wwii_memorial.html.
