NEAH BAY — They came from all walks of the Makah community to honor Nathan B. Bruckenthal as a serviceman in the Iraqi war “who made the ultimate sacrifice” for his country.
Friends, Makah tribal members and leaders, students, fellow Coast Guardsmen, military veterans, law officers, firefighters and Neah Bay High School athletes were among the more than 200 gathered inside the Neah Bay High School gym Friday to mourn Bruckenthal.
He was remembered as a beloved husband and father-to-be, and a widely respected Coast Guard Station Neah Bay petty officer who, at 24, was killed April 25 in a terrorist suicide attack on an Iraqi oil terminal in the Persian Gulf.
“He meant a lot to our community,” said the station’s commanding officer, Chief Warrant Officer Mike Tumulty.
“That’s why this memorial service is being presented.”
Tumulty led an “open mic” in which members of the community were invited to recall their fond — and sometimes humorous — stories about the man who was known for unlimited energy, passion for life, unconditional giving and service to the community.
Policeman, fireman, coach
Bruckenthal was also honored as a former reserve police officer with Neah Bay Public Safety — the tribal police department — as well as a Neah Bay volunteer firefighter, emergency medical services responder and high school assistant football coach.
Outside, a message on the school’s reader board said, “Nathan, All Honor To You,” and the Coast Guard motto, “Semper Paratus,” Always Proud.
Posters and banners inside the gym carried messages such as “Nate, American Soldier, Fallen Friend, Forever Hero.”
