On Monday, May 26, 2025, close to 100 community members gathered at Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Clyde E. Newman Jr. Post 10054 in Pahrump to remember, honor, and reflect on the lives lost in service to the United States. The annual Memorial Day ceremony provided a solemn moment of unity and remembrance, led by local veterans and auxiliary leaders, with tributes to the fallen and calls to live with greater purpose in their memory.
VFW Post 10054 Commander Mark Sansom opened the ceremony with a salute to the colors and a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, asking attendees to stand in honor of those who gave their lives in defense of freedom. The opening prayer was delivered by the Chaplain, acknowledging the sacrifices made by service members and asking for continued protection and guidance for those who still serve.
Among those recognized were local and state auxiliary leaders.
A central message of the ceremony came from a moving address that highlighted not only the history of Memorial Day—originally known as Decoration Day—but also the enduring values it represents: sacrifice, courage, patriotism, and unity.
The audience was reminded that Memorial Day began in 1868 as a way to honor Union soldiers lost in the Civil War. Since then, the day has evolved into a nationwide moment of reflection, marked each year by a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m., as enacted by Congress in 1950.
Speakers urged attendees to consider how they can actively honor the fallen—not only by attending ceremonies but through personal acts of remembrance and service. Whether it’s laying a wreath at a local monument, visiting a cemetery to place a flag on a veteran’s grave, speaking with a veteran about the friends they’ve lost, or volunteering at a veterans’ organization, every action is a tribute to the legacy of those who gave their lives for the nation.
“Freedom is not free,” a quote by U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Paul W. Airey, a Medal of Honor recipient, was echoed throughout the event, serving as a powerful reminder of the cost of liberty.
Senior Vice Commander Steve Kennard took the podium near the end of the ceremony and offered his heartfelt thanks to the community. “You guys are amazing,” he said. “This is one of the biggest ceremonies I’ve seen—and I’ve done it for the last four years.” He added with a smile that, for once, the weather cooperated, noting how unusually beautiful the day was.
While a flag retirement ceremony originally scheduled for noon was canceled, the gathering transitioned to a more lighthearted note with complimentary hot dogs served to attendees, providing a time for connection and shared stories after the more formal tribute.
The Memorial Day observance at VFW Post 10054 served as both a heartfelt remembrance of the fallen and a call to carry their legacy forward. Through shared memories, solemn reflection, and community support, Pahrump once again proved its deep respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
