'Let us not forget them'

Tuesday, May 26, 2009
A Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1165 firing squad waits to perform the honor volley at the conclusion of a Memorial Day service Monday at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. About 300 people attended the ceremony. (Tribune photo/Jason E. Silvers)

About 300 people turned out on a cloudy Monday morning to honor the nation's fallen heroes during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Fort Scott National Cemetery.

During his Memorial Day address, U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Richard Keller (Ret.) spoke to attendees about remembering and paying tribute to those who have lost their lives in service to their country.

"As I gaze about this cemetery, I think about who lies here," Keller said. "Words cannot describe the men and women who have served ... This is a special place and a special day in America as we walk about in respect ... The nation and what it stands for is worth fighting for."

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Richard Keller gives the Memorial Day address to a crowd of about 300 people during a ceremony Monday at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. Keller retired in 1996 after 35 years of active military service. (Jason E. Silvers/Tribune photo)

Keller encouraged those in attendance to view Memorial Day as not only an opportunity to remember and honor the war dead, but also soldiers who are currently defending their country overseas.

"As I speak to you today, we are a nation at war," he said. "Let us not forget them and what they've done."

Keller, a Montana native, retired in 1996 after 35 years of active military service. His last assignment was a stint as Chief of the Joint Staff in the U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. Keller graduated from Gonzaga University in 1961 with a degree in sociology. He was commissioned an infantry second lieutenant through the ROTC program in 1961 and attended the infantry officer basic and advanced courses, the Naval Command and Staff College and the Army War College. He has a masters degree in international relations from George Washington University.

Keller's decorations and awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star with V device and three oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Combat and Expert Infantry Badge, and the German Knight's Cross.

Other activities that took place during the Monday ceremony included a welcome by cemetery representative Richard Wheeler, who also led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, a musical rendition of the Gettysburg Address performed by local musicians Ralph Carlson and James "Red" Stradley, the reading of "General Order No. 11" by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1165 Commander Clint Walker, a wreath laying ceremony by members of the American Legion Post 25 and Auxiliary, an honor volley by a V.F.W. Post No. 1165 firing squad, and the playing of "Taps" by local trumpeter Jerry Witt.

Prior to the ceremony, the Rev. Stephen Sweyko led a prayer on the steps of the Bourbon County Courthouse in honor of all American war veterans, and also gave the invocation and benediction. Wayne Stringer, the commander of the American Legion Post 25, served as mater of ceremonies during the event.