24 MAY 25 “FALLEN HEROES”

Fallen Heroes Commemorative Ceremony

Veteran Reporter

Palm Henderson Mortuary and Cemetery hosted its fourth annual outdoor Fallen Heroes Commemorative Ceremony on Saturday, May 24, 2025. The day started beautifully and with anticipation, as the final details were coming together for this unique and humbling service to honor our Nation’s fallen heroes. While final details were in progress, the Scouts of America placed over 500 flags to honor the veterans laid to rest in Palm Henderson Cemetery. As guests arrived at the cemetery and walked towards the ceremony circle, they were welcomed by the view of the US Flag lines of Honor; again by the Scouts, their families, and other patriotic guests. As guests made their way to their seats, a multi-branch US Military Color Guard stood tall and proud. The service area was staged with reverence, including a military funeral vehicle provided by the Firefighter Memorial Transport to represent the sacrifices of those being honored.

The ceremony commenced promptly at 10:00 am with the opening remarks by Palm Henderson Mortuary’s program director, Philip Webb, who is also a veteran Marine and funeral director. The officiant for the service was Reverend Carl R. Fogg, Jr., Nevada State VFW Chaplain, Post 36. The presentation of “Colors” was performed by members of the US Military Color Guard from the US Army National Guard, the US Marine Corps, the US Naval Reserve Center, and the US Air Force. Once “Colors” were presented, Reverend Fogg proceeded with the opening prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Vocalist Frank Pizarro from the Firefighter Memorial Transport wowed guests with the singing of the National Anthem, ending with a flyover from the Boulder City Pilots Group, honoring our fallen with the missing man formation.

This year’s honored speaker, Retired Major Robert J. Garlow, also a member of VFW Post 36, provided a moving message of reflection, remembrance, and respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we share today. The Rendering of Military Honors included the US Military Color Guard; in collaboration with the DAV Chapter 12 Honor Guard to perform the rifle salute, the playing of “echo taps” by Tapps Nevada, and the reading of the 13 folds by Beverly Sabedra of the DAV Chapter 12; as the multi-branch six-man flag fold was executed. The folded US flag was presented to the ceremonial stand with Honor. 

Additional inclusions in the ceremony were the singing of “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America” again by vocalist Frank Pizarro. The remembrance wreath was placed by DAV Chapter 12 Honor Guard Commander, Neil Johnson, and Senior Patrol Leader for Troop 360, William Landman, while “Amazing Grace” was played on the Bagpipes by US Marine Veteran, Andrew Fusco. The ceremony concluded with the Armed Forces Medley, recognizing veterans of each branch of service, followed by the retiring of the “Colors”, closing prayer by Carl Fogg, and closing remarks from General Manager, Langston Higbee.

After the ceremony concluded, the staff of Palm Henderson Mortuary offered complimentary refreshments to everyone in attendance and welcomed all inside for a veterans fair that offered an array of veteran resources and the opportunity to meet other members within the veteran community, as well as other veteran-owned businesses in Henderson. 

Each year, this event has gotten a little bigger and more special as the community discovers this rare gem in the Henderson area. It remains an event filled with reverence that is truly centered around the meaning of Memorial Day, honoring those who gave all. The Fallen Heroes Commemorative Ceremony continues to be a remarkable community event that is also live-streamed to the Southern Nevada Veterans Home, so that the veteran residents, many unable to attend in person, share in the experience each year.

Philip S. Webb

Licensed Funeral Director – FD897

Palm Henderson Mortuary

800 South Boulder Highway

Henderson, NV 89015

Cell: (702) 401-5406

Email: phil.webb@palmmortuary.com