The United States is still a great nation.

Major ( Ret. ) Charles Wright drove home that point to the Memorial Day observance audience at the C. L. Hoover Opera House. “I don’t want to offend anybody politically, but I know there’s a motto out there that says let’s America great again. I just have a question when did we stop being great.”

Wright referred to American history dating back to the Colonial area and the Battel of Monongahela that included a young George Washington, plus Washington’s heroics at the Battle of Trenton in the Revolutionary War and the sacrifices made by American soldiers during World War II.

Wright noted as we reflect on the sacrifices made for this nation we also need to reflect on the leaders. He observed their decisions were never taken lightly, and despite all the victories they remembered the men and women they had lost. He concluded his comments by stating this nation is great and strong. He received a standing ovation from the audience.

The ceremony also included a tribute by Master of Ceremonies Lieutenant Colonel ( Ret. ) Dennis “Buzz” Bruzina to the recent strong performance by the Junction City High School Junior ROTC which saw them earn a perfect rating from judges…ranking tops in the nation.

And there was a moment of silence to remember the late Lieutenant General ( Ret. ) Richard “Dick’ Seitz, a longtime community member who was a veteran of World War II and a distinguished military career.