BLACKFOOT — Bingham County honored veterans who gave their lives defending the nation at two Memorial Day services in Blackfoot on Monday — one at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery and the other at Grove City Cemetery.

Army and Navy veteran Gene Womack conducted both ceremonies, which began with presentation of the colors, the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem. Both services featured wreath presentations, a 21-gun salute and the playing of taps.

Idaho State Veterans Cemetery ServiceThe 9 a.m. ceremony at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery featured remarks from Army veteran and state Sen. James Ruchti of Pocatello and guest speaker Jana Vosika from the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Ruchti recalled his West Point training and the leadership lessons he learned there. He said cadets were taught four acceptable responses to any question: “Yes, sir,” “No, sir,” “Sir, I don’t understand” and “No excuse, sir.”

The “no excuse” response was key to teaching accountability, he said.

It teaches integrity and becomes a powerful leadership example, Ruchti said. Being readily accountable leads to effective problem-solving. By taking ownership for failures, the emotional landscape is cleared to focus forward toward finding a solution.

Vosika said all veterans are heroes for their dedication and sacrifice to protect the country. She also recognized the “hidden heroes” who supported veterans — spouses, children and those who care for wounded service members.

“Our country is better because of their sacrifices,” she said. “They are all heroes.”

Eight wreaths were presented representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine and POW-MIA troops. Todd Asay concluded the service playing “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes.

Participating organizations included American Legion Steward Hoover Post 23, Veterans of Foreign Wars John L. Powers Post 9943, Submarine Veterans of America Base 666, Sons of American Legion Squadron 23, Blackfoot Fire Department, Blackfoot Police Department, Idaho Army National Guard and Patriot Guard Riders.

Grove City Cemetery ServiceThe Grove City Cemetery service at 11 a.m. included remarks from Max LeFevre, who spoke about Memorial Day’s origins after the Civil War when flowers decorated graves of those who died preserving the United States. He also discussed how red poppies that flourished on graves at Flanders Field, Belgium — a World War I battleground — became a symbol of sacrifice.

Twenty wreaths were presented by community organizations to honor veterans. They were each placed to flank an empty chair representing those missing in action.

Organizations contributing wreaths included the city of Blackfoot, Bingham County, Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, Blackfoot Police Department, Blackfoot Fire Department, American Legion Stewart Hoover Post 23, Sons of American Legion Squadron 23, American Legion Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Korean conflict veterans, POW-MIA group, Bingham County Historical Society, Blackfoot Elks and Does, Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Boy Scouts, Rebekahs and Odd Fellows, Lions Club and Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

The circle of wreaths created a colorful display of gratitude for veterans’ sacrifices and the freedoms they preserved — a sobering reminder that freedom is not free.