The Good Life – November-December 2020

area who wish to be buried close
to home, but live elsewhere in the
country. Oftentimes, families would
bury their loved ones at the state
cemetery in Mandan, ND. Now, having
the option of the national cemetery in
Fargo means that families do not have
to drive as far to visit their loved ones.
Giving honors to those who earned it
Nicklay is deeply rooted in this
community of veterans and is humbled
to honor those who have served.
"The guys that we have volunteering
are dedicated people. Their main
purpose is being there and rendering
final military rights for the veterans
who have earned it. For myself, I do it
to give back to the veterans for what
they gave to us," said Nicklay.
A particularly memorable experience
for Nicklay occurred over the
summer. During the three month time
period in which the Fargo Memorial
Honor Guard was unable to perform
ceremonies due to the ongoing
pandemic, 13 veterans were buried at
the Fargo National Cemetery without
honors.
"They should have honors and receive
the honors they earned. On August 8,
Jason Hicks, United Patriotic Bodies
Commander, set it all up so that each
of those 13 veterans would receive
their deserved honors. There were
about 140-150 family members
in attendance and it was well
appreciated," said Nicklay.
The day consisted of a ceremony
every half hour where the individuals'
name, rank, branch of service, and
service date was announced. A
chaplain led a prayer service and
18 Fargo Memorial Honor Guard
members spent the entire day out at
the cemetery.
Additionally, Nicklay appreciates the
peace and honor family members
receive from the ceremony. "About 9.5
times out of 10 after a burial, some of
the family members will stop by and
thank us for doing the honors. When
we're done firing, we pick up the brass
and present the empty casings in a
pouch to the family. It's a presentation
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