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I’m honored to be part of an event that honors a hero from Hays whose courage and
dedication makes us proud to be fellow Kansans. Later today KDOT crews will install two signs
that designate the intersection of I-70 and US 183 the Chief Warrant Officer Bryan J Nichols
Fallen Veterans Memorial Interchange.
Today and time forward this Fallen Veterans Memorial will be a visible reminder that although
Warrant Officer Nichols’ name appears foremost on this memorial, it equally salutes the other
heroes who lost their lives on the sixth of August, 2011. Twenty-two Navy SEALS, four
additional Army helicopter crew and three Air Force Special Ops soldiers were in Extortion
17 that fateful day.
No sign can commemorate the service and sacrifice that Bryan Nichols and all of our fallen comrades
have made to this great nation more than our own daily actions, that is, living up to the
same oath of selfless service that we swore as public servants. When this symbol of freedom
is finally unveiled and the sign is placed here at Hays, Kansas at Interstate 70 and
US 183, it will be a constant reminder and testimony to all who pass through the heartland,
that the cost of freedom belongs to us all, but its paid in full by only a few.
Today, we’re going to be unveiling the sign, and that sign is on the very heart, the crossroads
of America is right here in Hays, Kansas. And as everyone drives across that highway
that was built with blood, sweat and tears and protected by the souls and the hard work
and the dedication of our Armed Forces I hope that people will glance up and remember that
sacrifice that is being made on our behalf.