Following a tradition extending back more than a century, Nomeites gathered for a Memorial Day parade with words of recognition, song and prayer. This year, KNOM broadcasted live from downtown Nome, reaching those unable to walk in the parade.

Peggy Darling, the auxiliary president to the Nome V.F.W., expressed gratitude for all who took the time to commemorate the day. “Your action of being here speaks louder than any words. Our nation owes a debt to to the fallen heroes, and in part, we pay that debt, little by little, by being here each year to remember and honor those who went to a foreign land and lost their lives,” she said.

Image at top: Justin Bolayes, a retired U.S. Air Force Tech Sergeant, said he’s known 48 people killed in training or combat. He shared that it’s impossible for him compartmentalize the pain of losing friends. At his lead, about 20 people of all ages joined in the military tradition of doing “push-ups for the fallen.” Photo by Sean Milligan, KNOM (2022).