Memorial Day service: Bridging the generation gap

Note: Additional photos cn be found in the June 5, 2025, print edition of the LVN

FERNLEY — A key to remembering the contributions veterans have made to their country over the years is to involve the younger generations, a theme presented at this year’s Memorial Day ceremony at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley.

The majority of the 9,500 veterans interred at the state’s second largest military cemetery come from the earlier wars such as World War II and Korea. It’s been the goal of 19-year-old Preston Sharp to visit as many cemeteries as possible to spread awareness and patriotism.

“I’m here to spread the message of honoring veterans every day and not just on holidays,” said Sharp, who lives in Redding, Calif. And has met President Donald Trump promoting his cause.

Sharp became interested in honoring veterans a decade ago during a Veterans Day ceremony when he visited his grandfather’s grave. Once Sharp and his mother arrived at the cemetery, they placed a flag at the patriarch’s grave; yet as they looked around the cemetery, he noticed no other gravesite had a small American flag.

“And so, it really frustrated me, it really made me mad that none of our veterans were being honored,” he recalled, noting the situation not only involves his local cemetery but also others from coast to coast. “Schools really don’t teach that much about veterans or war or anything not as nearly as they need to.”

Preston’s mother responded to his complaining about the lack of attention afforded to the veterans by telling him “to do something about it.” That’s when he began to honor the veterans at various cemeteries in California and other states. One state, though, was missing from his outreach: Nevada.

“I just found it on Google Maps, and it (NNVMC) looked like a beautiful cemetery,” he said of his interests. “I came out here, and I love it.”

Sharp said he’s taken the four-hour trip to western Nevada three or four times to visit the sprawling veterans’ cemetery in addition to visiting other cemeteries across the United States.

“I have honored around a million veterans and placed flags flowers in all 50 states and also honored American veterans in three different countries,” he pointed out.

Rich Crombie, a member of the Nevada Veterans Coalition who handles the publicity and narration for major observances, said the cemetery was lucky to have Sharp as one of this year’s speakers for Memorial Day.

Sharp revealed more of his background and intent to the visitors who attended the Memorial Day observance. He said the NNVMC was a beautiful, well-maintained cemetery, and he was honored to attend and speak.

Crombie, who came to Nevada 28 years ago and calls the state veteran friendly, commended Sharp for his love of veterans.

During the one-hour ceremony under the blue Nevada sky, several speakers offered their observations on Memorial Day.

Thomas Talamante, executive director of the VA Sierra Nevada Health in Reno, was the keynote speaker. Talamante, who served in combat in Iraq with the U.S. Marine Corps, said the new day offers a new reflection, gratitude and honor of those who have or are currently serving in various locations around the world.

“I have the distinct pleasure to serve our nation’s heroes,” he said.

While he commended those who have left or retired from the military, he also honored “the hundreds of our states’ sons and daughters who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Talamante said 2025 has become a symbolic timeline as the nation honors the veterans who served during crucial times in history. He said this is the 40th anniversary when U.S. troops pulled out of Vietnam and 80 years ago when the fighting stopped in Europe in May 1945 and three months later when two atomic bombs were dropped on Japan. In less than a month, Japan signed the Instrument of Peace ending World War II. This year, according to Talamante, is the 250th birthday of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps.

Lombardo, a first-term governor who served in both the Army and Nevada Army National Guard, said it was an honor to welcome the guests for the ceremony.

Before he delivered his remarks, he introduced David Velasquez, the superintendent of the veterans’ cemetery.

“We have to make sure we give him the proper recognition for everything they are doing for the rest of today and throughout the entire year,” the governor said.

Lombardo said Memorial Day is to remember and honor the men and women for wearing a military uniform to protect us against all enemies.
“Sadly, many of them never returned home,” Lombardo added.

Lombardo said veterans share two common traits: valor and the love of their country.

“These heroes will forever hold a sacred place in our hearts and history,” he said

Lombardo said these veterans have earned the deepest respect and gratitude by serving a higher purpose, and for many of them, making the ultimate sacrifice.

Although the death of a loved one is painful, Lombardo said it’s the hope to offer comfort and gratitude to the loved ones left behind. He also gave thoughts and prayers to the active duty personnel and National Guardsmen who are deployed.

In her comments, the director of the Nevada Department of Veterans Services, Mary Devine, thanked the governor and congressional delegates for their support.

“We have our senators and congressman,” Devine said. “We have always had the most tremendous support for our veterans in the things we need.”
Devine thanked Republican Congressman Mark Amodei who represents Northern Nevada. He attended the Fernley ceremony, while U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto was at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City. In addition to the elected officials, Devine called the staffs at both state veterans;’ cemeteries are “amazing.”

Crombie, a Navy submariner whose son was killed in Iraq, thanked the parents for bringing their children to the Memorial Day service to learn of the sacrifices that come with freedom and liberty.