NESS CITY — “Remembering Our Fallen,” a photo display honoring over 70 Kansans who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan while wearing our country’s uniform, will make its first visit to western Kansas when it comes to Ness City next week.
The emotional exhibit will be on display at the Ness City American Legion starting Thursday, Oct. 4, when it will be open from 5-8 p.m. It may also be viewed from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 5-7, and by appoint on Oct. 8 and 9.
On Sunday, Oct. 7, the public is invited to a patriotic memorial program beginning at 3 p.m. at the Ness City Memorial Community Building (formerly Legion Memorial Hall), followed by a salute to the fallen at the Veterans Memorial in Ness City.
The display and program are open to the public, free of charge. This has been made possible by donations from several businesses from the communities of Ness County, said Lynette Stenzel from the American Legion Auxiliary.
Lynette and her husband Loren are members of the Patriot Guard and American Legion Riders. She said they heard about the exhibit when it was in eastern Kansas, and decided to bring it to Ness City.
“Remembering Our Fallen” was created by Omaha, Neb., Bill and Evonne Williams to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom; to lift up their families, knowing their loved ones will not be forgotten; and to remind others of the high price of freedom. They began with Nebraska natives and have begun expanding the exhibit to other states. In March, 2011, Bellevue (Neb.) University became the educational sponsor for the “Remembering Our Fallen” tour.
The exhibit coming to Ness City contains the photos and names of over 70 Kansans, including eight from western Kansas: Travis Bachman and Clinton Upchurch, Garden City; Benjamin Morton of Wright; Brian Escalante of  Dodge City, Jose Marin Dominguez of Liberal; Jessie Davila of Greensburg; Derrick Lutters of Goodland and Bryan Nichols of Hays. Stenzel said he has since learned there may be others. For example, one man listed as being from Emporia is buried in Dodge City, and the exhibit does not include those who died in training or missions outside of Iraq and Afghanistan. Family members of those individuals are invited to bring items for the display, she said.
For more information about the photo exhibit, visit the website: www.rememberingourfallen.org.