Boulder City residents were among the thousands across the nation who lined up for parades, offered discounts at their businesses and offered thanks to those who put their lives on the line protecting our national interests on Veterans Day.
The largest event in Boulder City was a ceremony at the Nevada State Veterans Home.
Hundreds of veterans and community members were on hand, along with Rep. Joe Heck and Sen. Dean Heller. Keynote speaker former Navy Rear Adm. Kathleen Dussault talked about the sacrifices veterans have made, as well as the importance of showing them our appreciation.
During the ceremony there was a moment of recognition for Blue Star parents, who have children serving overseas, followed by a moment of appreciation for Gold Star parents, whose children have died while the country was at war.
It was a very emotional moment for Farideh Ghane, the only Gold Star parent in attendance. Ghane’s only son, Shapoor Alexander Ghane, was a Navy SEAL who trained with Chris Kyle, the sniper made famous in the film “American Sniper.” Shapoor Ghane volunteered to learn every SEAL’s area of expertise before he was killed on Jan. 30, 2008.
According to his mother, the events of Sept. 11, 2001, were a turning point for her son, who, because of his Persian heritage, became a target for bullying in school. The tragedy convinced him to get in shape and aim for a career in the military.
“I raised him to enjoy his life, but he found something more important,” Ghane said of her son. “He was really inspired by the actions of Pat Tillman, who played in the NFL and gave up lots of money and an easy life to do what was right. My son decided he wanted to be a man like that, and he wanted to get Osama bin Laden; and when SEAL Team 6 finally got him they sent me a letter, and I knew my son would be proud.
“Every year I come to appreciate the service and the sacrifices the soldiers make,” Ghane said. “I really appreciate this day, too, because they deserve to be thanked. They’re all so brave. It’s like my son said, ‘If not me, who?’ ”
Heck, who formerly served as brigadier general in the U.S. Army Reserves, didn’t speak at the ceremony but said he always tries to make as many of these types of events as he can.
“It’s critically important that we come out and honor these people that have given so much,” Heck said. “Nevada is a military-friendly state and whether it’s Memorial Day at the veterans cemetery or here on Veterans Day, nobody does it better than Boulder City.”
Contact reporter Hunter Terry at hterry@ bouldercityreview.com or call 702-586-6711. Follow him on Twitter @HunterBCReview