Staff writer
During the Memorial Day service Monday at Memorial Park in Hillsboro, American Legion members read the names of nine local soldiers killed in action, three local veterans who died since Memorial Day 2009, and all deceased local veterans. About 350 veterans’ names were read by two speakers.
Retired Army Master Sgt. Roger Sinclair, of Hillsboro said in his memorial address that it was good to see so many people at the service who appreciate the sacrifices men and women in the armed forces have made for America.
Military units have a lot in common with families, Sinclair said. Members of a unit, although they may be very different, have to rely on one another. During their military service, they share good times and bad, creating memories along the way.
In 2006, an Army unit from Kansas was attacked. One of the soldiers was killed, and several others were wounded, including Peter Richert of Hillsboro. Sinclair visited the wounded soldiers, whom he recruited, while they were in the hospital.
Despite their wounds, they were all more worried about the other wounded soldiers and the soldiers from their unit still in the war zone.
Sinclair mentioned that recent Hillsboro graduate Matthew Richert, Peter’s brother, was leaving for basic training.
The service also included a rifle salute, playing of “Taps,” prayers, songs, and the laying of a wreath at a marker commemorating the sacrifices of nine locals who gave their lives in wartime.