BOULDER CITY (FOX5) — A Memorial Day ceremony at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery brought together community members, state leaders, and veterans to honor those who gave their lives in service to the country.
Governor Joe Lombardo and members of Nevada’s state delegation attended the ceremony, which featured prayer, song, and reflection.
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The event also brought an unexpected reunion between two people connected by the Vietnam War.
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Vince Palmieri, a Purple Heart veteran who served as master of ceremonies, recognized Margaret Divall in the audience. Divall worked as a flight attendant during the Vietnam War, flying troops into Da Nang.
“Continental at that time was flying troops into Da Nang,” Palmieri said. “I was on one of those planes.”
Palmieri told the crowd about the reception veterans received from flight attendants.
“Many of you know how Vietnam veterans were treated when we came home,” Palmieri said. “But I can tell you, when we landed in Da Nang, those flight attendants hugged every single one of us as we got off the plane.”
Divall said she was surprised by the recognition.
“I had no idea that Stillman was going to say that, but he’s a very sweet man,” Divall said.
Flight attendants during the war often gave soldiers final prayers before they went into combat.
“And the first time I went in, the flight attendant sitting next to me said, ‘ We have just enough time to say the Lord’s Prayer on the jump seat,” Divall said. “So, she grabbed my hand, and we did.”
State leaders reflect on sacrifice
Lombardo, a veteran himself, spoke about the meaning of patriotism.
“Today, let us remember that patriotism is not measured in words,” Lombardo said. “It is measured by our willingness to preserve the ideals for which these heroes gave their lives.”
Divall said the day held special meaning.
“They went through a lot, and they did it for our country, and we really appreciate everything,” Divall said.
The ceremony concluded with prayer and song.
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