After a year’s absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fremont Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Park returned with several guest speakers Monday morning.
“I think this was the largest attendance that we’ve ever had,” said American Legion commander Vern Gibson. “The bleachers were full and people were up standing. We had nothing but positive comments about it.”
Navy Capt. James Jenks was the featured speaker. Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg and Chris Madsen, chairman of the Veterans Park and co-chairman of the Avenue of Flags, also spoke during the ceremony.
The Rev. Bill Cremers of Saint Patrick Cathlic Church gave the opening prayer while Tarrin Reed sang the National Anthem.
Spellerberg referenced one of the most popular presidents in the nation’s history in his address.
“As President Ronald Reagan once stated, when we honor our flag we honor what we stand for as a nation,” the mayor said. “That’s freedom, equality, justice and hope. What we remember today, on Memorial Day, is that these values that make our nation great are not free. They come at a cost. That price was paid by the brave, selfless and courageous servicemen and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice.”
Madsen echoed those comments, urging the crowd to remember those who helped secure the country’s freedoms.
“Armed Forces Day is for those who are still in their uniform,” he said. “Veterans Day is for those who hung up their uniform. Today, Memorial Day, is for those who never made it out of their uniform.”
Jenks served as executive officer of the USS Maryland, receiving two battle efficiency awards. He later served as commanding officer on the USS Tennessee. Since 2019, he has been director of USSTRATCOM’s advanced warfare capabilities division.
“We honor the heroes, the soldiers, the sailors, the Marines and airmen,” he said. “We honor the 32 Medal of Honor recipients that are buried in Nebraska.”
Jenks thanked the men and women who helped put up the American Flags on Military Avenue. 
“So we never forget the ones we are charged to remember on Memorial Day,” he said. “Let us continue to remember the past sacrifice and let Memorial Day also be a reminder for future generations that our nation’s defense comes at a cost and is now theirs to carry. So I ask you, please remember to keep the Memorial in Memorial Day.”
Gibson said more than 300 flags were put up at 8 a.m. and taken down at 5 p.m.
“We had the most we’ve ever had and we put them up in 32 minutes,” he said. “We took them down in 25. A lot of people showed up. It was the best showing that we’ve ever had. I realize people were tired of being cooped up last year, but I’m so happy how this community came together. I looked out there and, boy, it was just fantastic.”
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