Fallon Elks honor area veterans

The Fallon Elks Club, in keeping with tradition, honored military veterans at its annual dinner on Friday night, Veterans Day.

Exalted Ruler retired CWO4 Bruce W. Reed, U.S. Navy Reserve, said Elks Clubs around the country honor veterans in November with recognition and remembrance.

“We have a rewarding relationship with our servicemen and women that goes back to World War I,” he said.

Reed said the Elks organization took an active role in supporting veterans, and in 1918, built and then donated a 700-bed to the War Department.

He said as long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.

Reed also pointed out the significance of the POW-MIA table, which has one table, a place setting and an empty chair to remember those veterans missing in action.

“This reminds us of the struggles and sacrifices of American heroes,” he said.

Overall, Reed said the table is a humble memorial to service members.

Guest speaker Cmdr. Kevin Dowd, officer in charge of the Navy Munitions Command, CONUS West Division, Fallon detachment, offered remarks about Fallon.

“The base is critical for everything the Navy does with training,” he said.

He also said Fallon is a good location for retirement because of its small-town atmosphere, people and chukar hunting.

Dowd paid honor to the military men and women, past and present, and the sacrifices they have made for their country.

Dowd gave a quick overview on the history of Veterans Day and its evolution from the end of World War I. During the many wars and conflicts in which the U.S. has fought, Dowd said many young men and women went to war and became part of something bigger than they were.