Memorial Day ceremonies were canceled due to social distancing restrictions this year. But the Nevada Department of Veterans Services held a small, private ceremony at the veterans cemetery in Fernley on Monday to pay tribute to the fallen.
"You have no idea how special this place is, it's very special, " said William Baumann, Veterans Services Commissioner. "It's always the right thing to do, to honor our veterans and those that have served over the years. I've been doing this for 19 years, and it's an honor to be able to come out here and meet with those that are still living and celebrate those that we've lost."
The Fernley cemetery usually draws a crowd of thousands. Instead, small groups came through to lay flowers, place flags and pay their respects. A classic biplane flew over the cemetery at the end of the ceremony. Those present, taking a moment to remember those that have gone before.
"Everybody that is in this cemetery, and the ones all over the world, they are my brothers and sisters," said Tom Draughon with the Nevada Veterans Coalition. "There's camaraderie amongst everybody that ever served in the military. So thank them for their service, that's what we do when we look at a headstone, we say thanks for your service; we appreciate it."
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