Memorial Day is the one day a year that American’s pay tribute to those who have sacrificed their life protecting our country. At Monday’s Memorial Day Ceremony at the Grass Valley Veteran’s Hall, Founder of Nevada County Chapter of Blue Star Mothers , Sue Horne, honored the most recent fallen soldiers from Nevada County.
The list includes:
Marine Lance Corporal, Adam Strain killed in August, 2005 (several weeks shy of his 21st birthday.)
Marine Lance Coproral John “JT” Vicente,  killed in November 2005. (JT was 19.)
Marine, 1st Lt. Nathan Kristoff. Nathan was killed in November 2006.
Marine Corporal Sean Stokes was killed in July, 2007; and
Marine Sgt Phillip Bock, from Truckee,  killed in November 2007.
Sue listed the accomplishments and circumstances of each soldier’s death as she read down the list.
Horne finished her address with a powerful letter written by a soldier to his family and girlfriend. Corporal Jeffrey Star was killed on Memorial Day 2005. Two months after his body was returned to the states, a letter he had written reached his family. The letter had been stored on his computer.
Click here to listen to Sue Horne

The courageous message served as a farewell to family, but also defined the meaning of war and the attitude of sacrifice of today’s soldier.
Horne close her message by giving thanks and promising to never forget our fallen heroes or their sacrifices.