Stagecoach WWII Memorial Rededication Ceremony
On Sunday, Dec. 7, proud Americans gathered at the Stagecoach Community Center (8204 Hwy 50) to rededicate a WWII memorial in honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
The original memorial was erected by the now inactive Fort Churchill VFW Post in 1991 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. It was rededicated in 2018, but over time became overgrown and largely forgotten. However, the Stagecoach community and Silver Springs Area Chamber of Commerce came together to restore the memorial, ensuring that its history and significance are once again visible to the public.
“The purpose of the rededication is three-fold: first and foremost is to honor our veterans and those who died at Pearl Harbor. Second, is to get the word out that there is a WWII Pearl Harbor Memorial in Stagecoach…Third reason, is to setup a framework of maintenance to keep this memorial, so it never ends up in a state of disrepair,” explained Stagecoach Citizen Advisory Board Vice Chair Mandy Brinnand during a recent KTVN 2 News interview.
The rededication ceremony was truly unforgettable, especially having local resident and WWII veteran Ben Hagans in attendance. The Reno Elks Treble Makers Choir opened with a selection of patriotic songs, including the national anthem. The Carson High School NJROTC Color Guard posted the colors. Pastor Dennis Hubbard provided the invocation and benediction, while Lyon County Commissioner Tammy Hendrix offered the welcome address and rededication declaration. Jonathan Burnett rang a 70-pound miniature Liberty Bell for the Honor Bell ceremony (seven tolls), followed by a three-volley salute from Yerington VFW Post 8084 and Taps performed by the Veterans Coalition bugler.
So next time you are driving along Hwy 50 through Stagecoach, consider taking a short detour to the Community Center to visit the restored memorial. Pause for a moment of reflection and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, ensuring their legacy is never forgotten.
Watch Brinnand’s KTVN 2 News interview HERE.
Photo credit: Johnye Saylor
Photo credit: Silver Springs Area Chamber of Commerce
