PALMER, Nick

LCHS auditorium packed for Palmer memorial by Marcia Martinek Herald Editor In an event marked by tears, laughter and military ceremony, Lance Corporal Nick Palmer was honored Wednesday, Dec. 27, by his family, friends, community, fellow Marines and the U.S. government. Close to 1,000 people filled the Lake County High School auditorium with some spilling over into the gymnasium. They wore yellow ribbons and carried flags. A group of veterans with flags stood at attention outside the school following the ceremony. “Nick was fearless; Nick was brave,” said his brother Dustin Palmer at the service. But Dustin first chose to recall a family camping trip when Nick was about ten when his younger brother fell out of his chair laughing at a knock-knock joke, only to repeat the laughter three years later at a similar camping trip. “I finally get it,” Nick said then in reference to the joke, once he caught his breath. “It takes a special someone to join the military . . . to join the Marines,” Dustin said, honoring his brother for making the “greatest sacrifice.” “While others debate and criticize and hope that others do it, men like Nick step forward to be counted,” said Lt. Col. Wayne Sinclair, Nick’s commanding officer from Camp Pendleton, Calif. He called Nick a special breed of man, a national treasure. Sinclair also had spoken with Lt. Todd Peterson, who commands Nick’s company in Iraq, and who provided some insight about Nick in Iraq. Nick was well known by his appearance in the field for always wearing bright red Snap-on mechanics gloves and having either an Otis Spelunker cookie or a granola bar in his pocket, Peterson said. Nick was never known to miss a meal, especially breakfast, and always had country music playing. The family selected a Vince Gill song, “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” to be played during Wednesday’s ceremony. Peterson passed on that Nick’s off-the-wall comments always had a calming effect on his fellow Marines. He was said to be a hard worker, the first to volunteer, polite, humble and a good listener. As a combat engineer, he was at the top of his game. Family friend Perry Carlile told how Nick once saved him from Maggie, the family dog, when he was staying at the Palmer home. “What a loss and yet, what a statement,” he said of Nick’s death. Rev. Jay Jung, C.M., handled the ceremony, and Donna Schaefer provided music with Ed Reinhardt as bagpiper. Andy Ault of VFW Post #859 led the Pledge of Allegiance. Nick’s life was presented in a slide-show format, and all military personnel and veterans were honored as the Marine Hymn was played. Sinclair presented the Purple Heart to Nick’s family on his behalf. Later, following a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps, the flag was removed from the casket and presented to Rachele Palmer, Nick’s mother. A reception followed the ceremony at the high school auditorium. The Palmers then headed to Great Falls, Mont., where Nick was buried at Mt. Olivet Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 30.