VALENTINE, Neb. - A small group of volunteers in north-central Nebraska is working to make sure veterans are remembered and honored. Members of the American Legion Auxiliary in Valentine have raised money to replace damaged or missing markers on veterans’ graves at Mount Hope Cemetery.

“We need to remember them,” said Karen Potter, the president of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 90.

For Potter and others, the project is about more than repairing markers—it’s about preserving stories and acknowledging the sacrifices made by veterans, whether they died in combat or served during peacetime.

“A veteran, whether they passed away in action or they just served their time, they gave tremendous sacrifices for us, so we can’t take that for granted,” said Michelle Garwood, the vice president of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 90.

Garwood has personal ties to the cemetery. One of the veterans buried there is her grandfather.

“This is my grandpa on my dad’s side,” Garwood said, motioning towards the grave.

Even with deep roots in the community, Garwood says it’s easy for stories to fade if no one takes the time to preserve them.

“As members of the younger generation, having deep roots here, it’s really important for us as family members pass away, that we carry on the tradition and honor our veterans,” Garwood said.

That’s why this small group hopes these simple markers spark something—a pause, a moment of thanks, a feeling of respect and remembrance.

“That they think about what those veterans have been through,” Potter said, through tears.

Although the group has raised enough money to restore markers at Mount Hope Cemetery, they plan to continue fundraising to honor veterans in other cemeteries throughout Cherry County. If you’re able to donate, please call the Cherry County Veterans’ Service Office at 402-376-2680.