If the unsaid theme of this Veterans Day is honoring multiple generations of those who've served, then it was encapsulated no better than Sunday afternoon at the Lone Mountain Cemetery in Carson City.
It was there that Brian Worcester of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, dressed as a Union soldier, recounted the history of Carson City as told through its earliest residents and veterans.
"This is a real history lesson here," he said as he gestured a gloved hand toward the rows of white marble headstones of the men who'd fought to give the state its "Battle Born" mantra. "A lot of people don't know their founders were here - that these Union soldiers are the city's, the state's founders."
A memorial headstone for the Civil War soldiers was re-erected in 2004 after an original marker went missing. While explaining the significance of the soldiers' sacrifice and the sometimes war-torn towns - "Virginia City was split between Union and (Confederate) sympathizers," Worcester said - the din of Harley engines grumbling to a stop rang off the headstones.
The belated yet welcome arrival of the Carson City chapter of the Vietnam Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club - a dozen strong - came clad in leathers and 'do rags, exhibiting the pensive and silent quality often associated with the erstwhile, oft-maligned soldiers of the baby boomer generation.
"We're here to learn a little and lend our support," said the club's local president, who simply wanted to be referred to as "Dollar."
"We've been around town - there's a list of spots we wanted to go, mostly bars. We've been handing out POW/MIA flags and letting people know we're here."
As the Vietnam vets strode through the graveyard, veterans from the generation prior looked on with high regard.
"It's good to come out here and learn," said Stan Destwolinski, post commander of Dayton's VFW Post 8660. "To see the history we have right here from the Civil War, and then to turn around and the Vietnam guys are right here.
"It's just good to see them. It's good to see all the vets out here today."
• Contact reporter Andrew Pridgen at apridgen@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.
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