“Remembering Our Fallen,” a traveling photo memorial of each Kansas soldier fallen in the War on Terror, including Bryan Nichols from Hays, is traveling to Forsyth Library on the Fort Hays State University campus, where it will be on display from Monday through Friday.
“We must remember these American heroes and speak their names when we see their family members. We can never forget those who sacrificed everything for our freedom,” said Bill Williams, co-creator of the memorial.
Students and faculty will honor service members as the display is set up Monday morning.
“We are excited to have the memorial at the library,” said Deb Ludwig, dean of Forsyth Library. “The memorial will be on the main floor where it will be very visible to students and community members.”
Viewing hours of the memorial start Monday at 1 p.m. and will end Friday at noon. From Tuesday through Thursday, the library is open from 7:30 a.m. to midnight.
Fallen heroes form the Hays area are: Sgt. Jessie Davila, Greensburg; Master Sgt. Bernard Deghand, Mayetta; Cpl. Brian Escalante, Dodge City; Sgt. Derrick Lutters, Goodland; Sgt. Joel Murray, Salina; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Bryan Nichols, Hays; Sgt. Ronnie Schmidt, Newton; and Spc. Clinton Upchurch, Garden City.
Patriot Productions, a non-profit organization headquartered in Omaha, Neb., created memorials for Kansas and 17 other states. The memorials represent half of the country’s war dead since 9/11. Their goal is to complete a memorial for every state.
FHSU Division of Student Affairs and Bellevue University, Bellevue Neb., sponsor the memorial for Hays. Also, the Forsyth Library, FHSU Military Friendly Committee and the Student Veteran Association provide additional support in bringing the memorial to the community.