Boyda joins residents in remembrance

Tuesday, May 29, 2007
U.S. Representative Nancy Boyda, D-Kan., and her husband, Steve, speak with Fort Scott National Historic Site volunteer Sandy Wells during Monday's Memorial Day activities at the fort.

She tried fighting back the tears, but the emotions that come along with Memorial Day eventually got to U.S. Rep. Nancy Boyda.

Boyda (D-Kan), visited the Fort Scott National Historic Site on Monday, one of her many stops throughout southeast Kansas on the holiday to honor those American soldiers who have died in combat. Boyda also visited La Harpe, Iola, Mound Valley and Yates Center, giving the Memorial Day address at a couple of her stops.

When Boyda was asked during an interview with The Fort Scott Tribune what she thought of all the day's ceremonies, the tears began to flow.

"Memorial Day gets to you after a while," she said.

Regaining her composure, she went on to praise Monday's activities at FSNHS, which included presentations from park rangers, fort volunteers and other area residents. The presentations were aimed at taking visitors on somewhat of a trip through this nation's history through letters written during specific war time periods.

"This is really great," Boyda said, "because it took us over the entire length of our history. Plus, there is a common theme in all the presentations and that is country over self."

Boyda said Memorial Day, if not meaning more, has been given more attention since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and since the beginning of the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Musicians Ralph Carlson (left) and James 'Red' Stradley perform 'Never Forget,' a song honoring American soldiers who gave their lives fighting for their country, during Memorial Day services in front of a large crowd on Monday morning at U.S. National Cemetery No. 1 in Fort Scott. The services were organized by the American Legion Post No. 25, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1165, the Disabled American Veterans, and the Combat Infantrymen's Association. Tribune photos Jason E. Silvers and Brett Dalton.

"I think we stop to recognize it more now," Boyda said. "People are more grateful and just more aware of what's happened over the years."

Boyda added that holidays such as Memorial Day help bring Americans together as one, regardless of party affiliation.

"It's a day that's apolitical," Boyda said, "which is a blessing."

Earlier in the day, William Owensby Jr., director of the Leavenworth National Cemetery, spoke at Memorial Day services at the U.S. National Cemetery No. 1 in Fort Scott. Owensby reminded those in attendance that the freedom that we, as Americans, enjoy is due to the courage and sacrifice of the men and women honored on Memorial Day.

"Freedom is our cause," Owensby said, "but freedom does not come free. Some paid with the ultimate sacrifice."

Owensby also sang the praises of Fort Scott and the town's patriotic spirit.

"I've traveled to a lot of places throughout the years," he said, "but I don't think I've ever been to a place more patriotic than Fort Scott is in their community."

Owensby not only spoke of those lost in past wars, but also of the men and women fighting in the Middle East today. He also reached out to show support for the family and friends of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for the United States.

"Our hearts go out to the spouses, the loved ones, and all those whose lives have been forever changed by the untimely death of a soldier."

Despite the sadness of the death of those fighting for our freedom, Owensby said it is important to always remember what they died for.

"It is vital that we appreciate what they did, why they did it and what their sacrifice means to this country," he said.