Fort Atkinson Observes Memorial Day 2025 – Keynote Speaker United States Army Combat Veteran Kyle Bente
- The Editors
- May 29
- 3 min read
A special highlight of Fort Atkinson’s 2025 Memorial Day observance at Evergreen Cemetery on Monday, May 26th was the keynote address given by combat veteran Kyle Bente, Specialist, United States Army Transportation Corps. Specialist Bente served during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.
Following is the text of Specialist Bente’s message:
“Today, on this solemn Memorial Day, we gather as a nation not to celebrate – but to remember - to reflect. And above all, to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to a cause greater than themselves.
“Among those we remember today are the brave Americans who served and sacrificed in Operation Enduring Freedom – our nation’s response to the attacks of September 11, 2001. From the mountains of Afghanistan to distant outposts across the globe, these warriors stood on the front lines of the fight against terror. They fought in rugged terrain, in unfamiliar lands, often without the comfort of knowing when – or if – they would return home.
“Over 2,300 United States service members lost their lives in Operation Enduring Freedom. Each one has a story, a family, a future cut short, so that others might live in peace. They were soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. They were medics who ran toward the wounded – pilots who flew into danger – infantrymen who walked point in valleys that few maps could name. They were young – many barely old enough to rent a car – and yet they carried the burdens of war with unmatched courage.
“We remember heroes like Sergeant First Class Jared Monti, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for trying to save a wounded comrade under heavy enemy fire – or Corporal Pat Tillman, who gave up a professional football career to serve in uniform. And thousands of others whose names may never make the history books – but whose sacrifice built the legacy of Operation Enduring Freedom.
“To those who returned home bearing the scars of that war – seen and unseen – this day is also for you. Your resilience, your courage, and your remembrance keep alive the spirit of those we lost.
“Memorial Day is not just a date on the calendar. It is a sacred obligation. A reminder that freedom is not free, and that behind every flag-draped coffin is a family forever changed – a community in mourning – and a nation in debt.
“To those who gave all in Operation Enduring Freedom: we honor your sacrifice. We cherish your memory. And we pledge to carry forward the freedom you secured.
“Thank you. God bless our fallen heroes, and God bless the United States of America.”
Editor Note
Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the United States executed Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan, targeting al Qaeda leadership and infrastructure supported by the Afghan Taliban regime. U.S. forces contributed to a coalition of up to 50 Allied and partner countries as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to secure the country and develop Afghan security forces. (Source: Defense Casualty Analysis System.)
The foregoing keynote address text is provided with permission by Kyle Bente.
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