The Sage Brothers
Posted by: 
NevaP
N 42° 45.016 W 098° 01.916
14T E 579224 N 4733537
The marker, in Niobrara Nebraska, honors three brothers who were casualties of the VietNam War.
Waymark Code: WM3RHE
Location: Nebraska, United States
Date Posted: 05/11/2008
Views: 12
The text of the marker reads:
On the night of June 2, 1969, while on maneuvers in the South China Sea off the coast of Vietnam, the Australian aircraft carrier Melbourne was in collision with the destroyer USS Frank E. Evans. The impact cut the Evans in two, the bow section sinking almost immediately. Seventy-four American seamen were lost, including three brothers from Niobrara, Nebraska; Gary, Gregory, and Kelly Sage. The brothers, 22, 21, and 19 years of age respectively, were the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Sage, and had been stationed together aboard the Evans at their own request. This tragedy was perhaps the greatest single loss suffered by any Nebraska family of the many who have contributed their sons to the service of the Nation.
At memorial services in Niobrara on June 11, 1969, the Governor of Nebraska eulogized the brothers saying that "Every generation of Americans has answered the call to the colors. . . So it was with the Sage brothers who were serving in the finest tradition of the American fighting men. In the truest sense, they gave up their lives that we might continue to enjoy the fruits of freedom . . ."
The marker #101, was placed by the Benner-Lawrence VFW Post 4834 and the Nebraska State Historical Society.
It stands in an attractive plaza by Hwy. 12, in Niobrara. A memorial stone bears a picture of the three brothers.
Marker Name: The Sage Brothers
City: yes
Roadside: yes
Web Address if available:: [Web Link]
Other: Not Listed
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Visit Instructions:
Post Pictures:
1. Close up of historical marker
2. Picture of surrounding area (would prefer to have the marker in the picture also). Thanks!