Scott Gerber of Coaldale asked people to remember those missing in action this Memorial Day and explained the phrase, “52 lost submarines and 3,000 missing submariners,” during an observance at Carbon County Courthouse.

“As veterans, we are driven to bring everyone home having left no one behind, alive or deceased,” he said. “The term missing in action, sounds a matter of fact.

“But it means that service members are unaccounted for and are assumed to be captured, or worse, deceased in an unknown place,” he said.

Gerber, who served aboard the nuclear submarine USS Helena during his naval career during the Cold War and Gulf War, was the main speaker at Carbon County’s Memorial Day Observance Thursday morning.

Gerber explained the history and role of submarines in naval operations and the 52 submarines and 3,000 missing submariners during World War II, as well as the psychological challenges of being submerged beneath the sea for long periods.

He asked those in attendance to imagine themselves in a single family home with 50 friends and 50 coworkers for 90 days with all essentials provided, but there are three bathrooms and three bedrooms.

“You cannot go outside,” Gerber said. “All of the windows are locked up. There is no sunlight. All during a monsoon rainstorm with water trying to constantly get inside the house.”

And the importance of silence and stealth while submerged. The difference between success and failure of a mission could come down to a dropped wrench hitting the hull, giving away the sub’s position, he said.

“The awkward silence is normal for us,” he said. “In there, you learn to embrace it.”

Submariners rarely have the opportunity to speak publicly, making up only 23% of the Navy and often operating under a veil of mystery and silence, Gerber said.

“Today, as we gather to honor the brave men and women who served our nation, we turn our hearts and minds to a special group of heroes, those who are missing in action,” he said, “These individuals whose fates are unknown and their absences is a reminder of the cost of freedom.

“Our nation owes them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid, but we honor their memory in ensuring that their stories are told and their sacrifice is remembered,’ Gerber said.

He was among several Carbon County officials who gathered in the courthouse and paused to remember those who sacrificed themselves in service to their country so future generations could be free.

“It’s our responsibility now to carry on and honor that sacrifice,” state Rep. Doyle Heffley said, offering brief remarks during the observance.

His own father was a Marine Corps veteran and his grandfather lost a brother during World War II, he said.

“I learned from my grandparents and my parents to always respect and honor this Day of Remembrance and why we do that for all those that gave the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.

Also speaking was Carbon County Commissioner Michael Sofranko and Brad Hurley from state Sen. Dave Argall’s office.

Christine LeClair, county director of Veterans Affairs, led the program and prayer, and Angela Nardini sang the national anthem as well as God Bless America.

Members of American Legion Post 304 of Jim Thorpe offered a three-volley salute outside the courthouse and played taps inside.