Remembering Williston North Dakota’s Finest: A Memorial Day Tribute

On Memorial Day, we honor the courageous men and women who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces of the United States. It's also a chance to pay tribute to them and remember them. Among these heroes are the Williston, North Dakota, soldiers who lost their lives in defense of our nation.

Williston is a strong town, as we are well aware. Its sons and daughters who heeded the call to battle have firsthand experience with the devastating impacts of war. They embody what it means to be a hero in their bravery, devotion, and love for their nation. According to the website of the North Dakota Department of Veteran's Affairs, 2604 North Dakota servicemen lost their lives in battle. Afghanistan, the Philippine Insurrection, the Desert Storm, Iraq, Lebanon, the Korea War, Panama, the Spanish-American War, Vietnam, and World Wars I and II. 12 soldiers from Williston and 80 from Williams County are among the soldiers we are aware of. Let's collectively recall a handful from this post.

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Specialist Cody Wentz

Cody Wentz, a member of the National Guard's 141st Engineer Battalion, is one such hero from Williston who died in battle. Spc. Wentz enlisted in the Guard in November 2000. He was promoted from private first class to specialist the day before he was killed. His proud parents are Kenny and Joyce Wentz.

Richard Dale Hoveland

Richard Hoveland held the rank of SP4 with the U.S. Army. He passed away on January 31, 1968, in South Vietnam, during hostile small-arms gunfire.

Richard Denzil Gill Jr.

Richard Gill held the rank of SP4 with the U.S. Army. He passed away on July 21, 1966, in South Vietnam during hostile conditions and was listed as a ground casualty.

These tales of bravery and sacrifice stick in our memories, and we can still clearly picture the names and faces of these heroes. In Williston, we come together every Memorial Day to honor the valiant troops who gave their lives defending our nation. As a way to remember and pay respect to the deceased, families, friends, and members of the community gather at Riverview Cemetery for a service of memory.

The whole state of North Dakota remembers its dead heroes with reverence and respect, not just in the local area. The North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan is where many of these brave heroes are laid to rest. On Memorial Day, visitors come to the cemetery to pay their respects and show their gratitude for the sacrifices made by these amazing people. Click here for more details on honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

On Memorial Day, let's remember the brave people from Williston who gave their lives for our country, as well as everyone else who died for our country. Their daring and kindness deserve our thanks. May remembering them make us appreciate the freedoms we have and push us to work for a better, more united future. Don't forget about the Memorial Day program at Riverview Cemetery at 11:00 am on Monday, May 27th.