North Dakota Veterans Honor Their Fallen Friends and Loved Ones

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Across the nation, today marks the 54th year Memorial Day services are held. For North Dakotans, it is a day to remember and cherish loved ones who sacrificed everything for our country.

“Since they are unable to enjoy those freedoms, it is up to us, among the living, to remember their sacrifice. And fulfill those dreams of education, getting married, going to a concert, or even electing a new president. We must take advantage of those liberties for those lives that have been taken too soon at an early age and not take these liberties for granted,” said Command Sgt. Maj Bradley Reed, with the 68th Troop Command.

In North Dakota, over 3,000 soldiers and officers lost their lives in battle. Sandra Kruse, a member of the Fargo AMVets Post 7, found this day emotional for her as her father had served in World War 2.

“You can’t help but think about all the people and my sisters and brothers, that are also thinking of their family members. So, emotions to me was really just a kudos and being thankful that we had people in my family that directed me in a way to respect our veterans and appreciate the country,” said Sandra Kruse, Public Relations Officer at the Fargo AMVETS Post 7 Auxiliary.

As services continue throughout the day, veterans are reminded of their fellow comrades and family, but also what many had fought for, freedom.

“Our freedom isn’t free, and the people that made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives that we have the liberties that we have. Freedom of speech, that we can do this even this interview. So that’s why I take it very seriously, very honored. It’s not about me, it’s not about the veterans, it’s about the veterans that didn’t come home,” said Reed.

Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney as well as state representative Austen Schauer spoke at the memorial for Riverside Cemetery.