'Our defenders will never be forgotten'

Solemnly, Cmdr. Don Atkins of American Legion High Desert Post 56 approached the podium. To his left a rifle was jammed into the ground, flanked by an American flag and simple white cross.

"The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten," Atkins quoted.

After short remarks, a list of fallen soldiers was read, each name accompanied by a resounding tone from the brass bell to the podium's right. There were 47 names in all, dating from World War I up to 1980.

Saturday marked the dedication ceremony of the Veteran's Memorial at Lone Mt. Cemetery in Carson City. About 40 people gathered to dedicate the three-sided wood memorial, containing the names of those lost in defense of their country as well as pictures, uniforms and military regalia.

"Just by being here, you have made a pledge," Atkins told the crowd. "A pledge that our defenders will never be forgotten."

Daniel Brenner brought his 13-year-old son Austin from Reno for the ceremony. Brenner's father, Raymond, is among the names inscribed on the memorial. Raymond Brenner served in World War II and in Korea, but it was his sense of humor that Austin most remembers.

"He was always making jokes and he liked to build battleships," Austin said.

Austin now has the 32 model ships his grandfather built.

Nick Radu brought his son Martin out to support the project and see his father's name on the memorial. Staff Sgt. John Radu served from the beginning of World War II up until 1965. He was in the Navy until 1955 then switched to the Army.

"I think it's great to finally have it in town," Radu said. "I'm very glad that they did it."

The ceremony included remarks by Carson City Supervisor Pete Livermore, a representative from Sen. Harry Reid's office and a singing of the national anthem by Lynne Heller, wife of congressional candidate Dean Heller.

There are 47 names on the plaque, but more will be added as veterans and their families come forward. The memorial is designed to hold 650 names.

"The memorial is a perpetual project. We will add more names as people contact us and we can get the engraving done," Atkins said.

Yet Atkins said the main purpose of the memorial was fulfilled during the dedication.

"Our purpose is to remind people that we will never forget out defenders," Atkins said. "When I look at my calendar, I see every day as Veteran's Day."

• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.