Col. John Nelson, commander of U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG), delivered the keynote address at the dedication of Arizona’s first Gold Star Memorial Byway Marker on November 7, 2024.

YPG Chaplain (Major) Ryan Pearce delivered the invocation and benediction of the ceremony.

The sign, installed by the Yuma Orchid and African Violet Association, is part of the Garden Club of America’s long-standing tradition of honoring families who have lost military members in wars dating back to World War II. Approximately 100 spectators attended the marker’s dedication ceremony at Foothills Community Park in Yuma.

“Since I first arrived in Yuma last June, I have seen the Yuma community to be the most pro-military community I have ever encountered,” Nelson said in his remarks. “What’s even more impressive to me is the people who came together for this memorial. The presence is so important, and I’ve seen time and time again Yuma County show up for our military members and their families.”

Nearly 3,000 service members have died in combat in Arizona since statehood in 1912, more than half of them in World War II. 390 Arizonans lost their lives in Vietnam. The YPG’s military operations center is named after Blaby Soto, Yuma County’s first casualty. Nelson mentioned Soto’s accomplishments in his remarks.

“His service and sacrifice continues to be an inspiration to all who have worked in the building since it opened nearly 30 years ago,” he said.

Most recently, 170 Arizona National Guard soldiers were killed in action during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Having served in the Army for nearly 30 years, it has been a bittersweet honor to have personally gotten to know more Gold Star families than I ever could have hoped,” Nelson said. “As the commander of the Yuma Proving Ground, which exists primarily to test the equipment soldiers and Marines risk their lives in theater, I am humbled to know that those numbers were maintained through the efforts of the men and women of the YPG team. It makes me feel even stronger.”