The Reno Sierra Nevada Health Care Medical Center held a Memorial Day ceremony this afternoon, honoring the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for American freedom.
Executive Director Thomas Talamante shares: "Approximately 20% of our job force are veterans and so, giving back to the community and recognizing those who have passed and paid the ultimate sacrifice and so, this event means a lot to our staff too, including our Veteran's Day event as well."
Memorial Day is a time of reflection and honor to remember those who selflessly put their lives on the line.
During the day's events, two local veterans shared their war journey with us, stepping through memories reflecting on the sacrifice for freedom.
Jon Lopey mentions, "This means a lot to us veterans because it memorializes those brothers and sisters that made the ultimate sacrifice. I served during the Vietnam War; then Bosnia, Haiti, Afghanistan and Iraq. Thank you very much - it means a lot to us, just being interviewed by you and you caring about us. It really means a lot, especially those of us who served in the Vietnam era, we didn't exactly have ya know, bands, and parades ya know when we came back."
Lopey's friend and fellow Vietnam vet Jim Hanson adds, "I think we have a tendency to remember the good times, it was... It wasn't really great when we came home, after Vietnam, but on the bright side of that, I'm thinking veterans now days are treated a lot better because of that. Remembering those veterans that you wish were still with us, people you remember from back in the day. And ah... Also remembering my mom and dad, whom both served in World War II."
Memorial Day holds deep meaning to thousands around the United States. Everyday heroes who represent courage, bravery and sacrifice in honor of our nation's defense will forever be remembered.
