PLATTE COUNTY – Across the county last week, local communities demonstrated patriotism and gratitude for family, friends, and neighbors who answered the call to serve in our nation’s military. On Veteran’s Day, school programs highlighted local veterans, and free community dinners were served in each community as a gesture of thanks to veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice. A collection of 158 displays of service-connected memorabilia submitted by veterans and their families were open for the public to view at the Agriplex in Wheatland throughout the day.
While 2024 marks the 70th year of Veteran’s Day, its historic origins began on Armistice Day, the marked day in World War I when the Allies and Germany officially ceased fighting on the 11th month, 11th day, 11th hour in 1918. The day has been observed every year since, though its name wasn’t officially known as Veteran’s Day until 1954.
During nearly simultaneous ceremonies in both Guernsey and Wheatland schools last Monday morning, and during a ceremony in Wheatland on Monday evening, VFW and American Legion honor guards presented the U.S. and Wyoming Flags, in addition to the P.O.W. (Prisoner of War) and each service branch’s official flags. School children in Guernsey recited the Pledge of Allegiance, filled the air with music, singing the National Anthem, and playing a medley of patriotic songs.
In Guernsey, a video slideshow was displayed throughout the event highlighting Guernsey-Sunrise schools’ current staff and military connected families, and the school’s alumni who have served in the military. In Wheatland, a video was shown to demonstrate the fact that those who were willing to face fear and death to fight to preserve freedom are the reason anyone in the U.S. can enjoy those freedoms, including children in the classroom.
The keynote speaker in Guernsey was retired Maj. Gen. K. Luke Reiner, former adjutant general for the Wyoming Military Department. He highlighted a handful of reasons we are grateful for men and women who have or are still donning a uniform to face unknown dangers to defend the Constitution of the United States and preserved the ability to gather peacefully with freedoms intact.
“I do know there are many veterans in this part of the country. The propensity to serve in Platte County is very high. You’ve answered the call, you’ve stepped to the plate… Some of you might have been drafted, some of you volunteered. In the end the results are the same: each of you picked up your rifle and slung on your ruck sack, or strapped into your aircraft and took to the skies, or were on your navy vessel from wherever you served. You did what this nation asked you to do. Each one of you did your duty. Each one of you faced the danger. Each one of you looked fear in the face, and each one of you made a difference,” Reiner said.
He shared the story of local veteran Lee Alley, who has received the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and Soldier’s Medal for his selfless service and consideration for fellow comrades in time of battle.

“You probably know [Lt. Lee Alley.] The date was November 1967 in the country of Vietnam. As recounted in a reward write-up, a young Lt. Lee Alley was leading a platoon – think about 50 soldiers providing security for a fire base. In the early morning hours, an enemy battalion – so think about 300, so significantly more – directly a coordinated mortar and ground attack on the platoon’s perimeter. The numerically superior enemy soon closed on his position, and Lt. Alley decided to move to a more defensible location near the artillery camp which was across the river.
Braving savage fire, he exposed himself to the enemy weapons and directed his men to the screen, personally pulling a wounded comrade to the bank. Completely disregarding his safety, he then returned to his personal position and poured murderous fire on the enemy ranks to cover the movements of the troops. Even though suffering a painful wound, he fought fiercely until he ran out of ammunition.
After obtaining another weapon, and grenades, he continued his fight until his men were safe. He then maneuvered to join them, and after crossing the river, saw four soldiers who were still on the opposite side who were pinned down by enemy fire. Lt. Alley returned through a curtain of bullets to reach them and led them back across the river to the new perimeter. He then directed air artillery and gun strikes on the insurgents, forcing them to flee the battlefield in disorder,” Reiner recounted.
Reiner said Alley’s story is not unique in the determination and dedication he lived out, but his story serves as a reminder: “Each one of you veterans here today have your own story – a story that matters, a story that you lived, a story that I suspect is with you today.”
Coincidently, in Wheatland, local veteran Lee Alley was the guest speaker, sharing a powerful message about his experience in Vietnam with the student body and demonstrated his appreciation for everyone who has put on a uniform.
At a community dinner in Chugwater, the keynote speaker was the second vice commander of the Wyoming American Legion, Ben Glenn of Post 75 in Chugwater.
Glenn, having retired in 2015 after serving 27 years serving in Navy theatres across the globe spoke about the fundamental qualities of American servicemen and servicewomen.
“[They have come] from all walks of life and shared the fundamental qualities of determination, pride, selflessness, and dedication to quality and integrity – all to serve a cause greater than themselves. Many of them did not ask to leave their home to fight on a distant battlefield. Many of them did not volunteer. They didn’t go to war because they love fighting: they were called to be a part of something bigger than themselves. They were extraordinary people who responded in extraordinary ways in extreme times. They rose to the nation’s cause because they wanted to protect the nation that has given them – us – so much. Since the battle of Lexington and Concord, American men and women have been answering the call to the nation’s call to duty. Millions of Americans have fought on battlefields here and abroad to defend our freedoms and way of life. Today they continue to make the ultimate sacrifice.”
“The price of freedom is visible… the freedoms we enjoy must be protected, and enemies must be defeated at home and afar. The defense of freedom is not just for those in the military. Each of those here share the responsibility… ‘Be the one.’ That is the American Legion’s call of duty. Wyoming has the highest veteran suicide rate in the nation. Yes, we’re number one. You ask, what can I do? ‘Be the one.’ Be the one to guide them to resources to get help. Sometimes I just call people out of the blue to check on them. I call them ‘buddy checks. ‘Sometimes it makes a difference. Sometimes, unfortunately, it doesn’t. American people are stepping up,” Glenn said.
Guest speaker Josh Hopkins, mayor-elect for Chugwater, shared appreciation for those willing to pay the cost to protect our freedoms as far back as the Revolutionary War. Hopkins pointed out the original “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” is a monument located at Washington Square in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He cited the words inscribed on a stone at the foot of a statue of George Washington which reads, “Beneath this stone rests a soldier of Washington’s army, who died to give YOU liberty.”
“Let us today recognize those who sit among us, as well as those who never made it home, and I hope you will join me in expressing our recognition of their service and the proud title owed only to them as ‘veterans’ of the United States of America. Thank you,” Hopkins said.
“Today we honor and share gratitude and thanks for the brave men and women who have served our country. Your courage, sacrifices, and dedication should remind us not just today, but every day, of the freedoms we enjoy. And let us never take those for granted. Whether you’re a veteran, an active service member, or just here showing your support, we appreciate the commitment and sacrifices you and your families have made and have shown our country. Thank you and we salute you,” Lisa Weigel, superintendent of Platte County School District No. 2, said.