Fremont will mark Memorial Day with a solemn ceremony to honor the men and women who gave their lives in military service to the United States. The event is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 26, and will be held near the Eternal Flame at Memorial Veterans Park on East Military Avenue, located just south of the Sidner Ice Arena. Open to the public, the ceremony provides an opportunity for the community to come together and pay their respects to the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.
One of the event’s highlights will be a special KC135 flyover conducted by the 155th Air Refueling Wing based in Lincoln. The aerial tribute will serve as a powerful visual reminder of the courage and service of American military personnel past and present. The flyover is expected to be a significant and emotional moment for attendees, adding a layer of reverence to the day’s proceedings.
This year’s guest speaker will be Capt. Paul Young of the United States Navy. A native of Fremont, Captain Young has dedicated nearly 33 years of his life to military service. He graduated from Fremont High School in 1988 and went on to earn his degree from the University of Nebraska in 1992. Since then, he has built an extensive and decorated career as a Navy surface warfare officer. His military record includes four command tours and numerous overseas deployments, during which he supported key operations such as Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Active Endeavor, and Noble Eagle.
In addition to his deployments at sea, Captain Young has held several prominent positions ashore. He has served on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, contributed to strategic planning at the Commander of U.S. Strategic Command, and worked as a U.S. Navy delegate to NATO. Currently, he is the commanding officer and professor of Naval Science at the University of Oklahoma. His extensive background and Fremont roots make him a meaningful and inspiring choice to speak at this year’s event.
The ceremony at Memorial Veterans Park is more than a community gathering; it is a collective act of remembrance and gratitude. The Eternal Flame, near which the event takes place, symbolizes the enduring legacy of those who gave their lives in service to the nation. For many residents of Fremont and surrounding areas, Memorial Day is not only a national holiday but a deeply personal moment of reflection and honor for loved ones who served.
City officials and veterans' organizations encourage all residents, families, and visitors to attend the ceremony. The presence of active duty personnel, veterans, and community members serves to reinforce the values of service, sacrifice, and unity that Memorial Day represents. As the KC135 aircraft passes overhead and Captain Young shares his reflections, attendees will be reminded of the strength and resilience that defines the military community, as well as the high cost of the freedoms that Americans enjoy today.
In remembering those who gave all, Fremont’s Memorial Day ceremony stands as a poignant reminder of duty, honor, and national pride. It is a call not only to mourn the fallen but also to appreciate the living, to cherish liberty, and to commit to peace. As families gather at the Eternal Flame, Fremont continues its tradition of honoring heroes in a manner that is both respectful and unifying.
