American Heroes Honored

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

A program was held commemorating the September 11 tragedy at the World Trade Center and also honoring everyday heroes and those in the military as well as local law enforcement from Carbon and Emery counties. The program was held at the Price Civic Auditorium and was opened with a blast from Don Burge on his muzzleloader. Trumpets and bagpipes also opened the program. Miss Carbon County, Heather Peterson sang the National Anthem.
Price City Mayor Joe Piccolo and his wife Barbara welcomed and thanked those attending. He expressed appreciation to those who had put the program together and to those who provided the entertainment. Mayor Piccolo asked for a moment of silence in honor of those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Mayor Piccolo said we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before. Of the 16 million men and women who fought in World War II only 4 million of those are left. “We need to reflect on whether we are doing well and whether those who follow can stand on our shoulders.” Piccolo also mentioned that on Sept. 22 it would be announced on headline news that Price has been honored as one of the best small cities in which to live in the United States. “The citizens of our community are to be congratulated,” said Piccolo, “This is the greatest place to live in the world.”
“What would the world be like without America. I challenge you to become more patriotic. I have a love for this country and I am proud to serve you,” said Mayor Piccolo.
Brad King was the master of ceremonies for the evening. He said the Price area has been the melting pot of Utah. He said the United States is a place which allows us to achieve greatness in the land of the free and the home of the brave. The foundation is firm and for the next generation to maintain a vision of hope and make their dreams a reality then the foundation must remain firm. “A nation will rise no higher than the strength of its families. We need teachers and leaders,” said King.
The Veterans, fire fighters and law enforcement officers in the audience were asked to stand and be recognized during the program.
Currently in Memory Grove at the Price cemetery they are working on a memorial for local heroes. Local talent performed at the program and also included the Huntington Men’s Glee Club who sang, “This is My Country,” and other patriotic numbers.
Nancy Cammans, one of the event organizers said that a few Iraqi people were visiting five cities in the United States, expressing their appreciation and thanks for the soldiers in their country who are fighting for the freedom of the Iraqi people. The Iraqi people are especially grateful for the opportunity for 90 percent of their children to now attend school.
Cammans introduced the Ferrin family to the audience. Their son Clint was killed in Iraq in March of this year. Clint believed in what he was doing in Iraq. His mother, Rosemary spoke to the audience. She spoke of the American Flag and how it represents each one of us all men, women and children regardless of age or creed. She said the flag is not shiny and new anymore, but stained with the sweat and tears of those who have toiled before.

Rosemary remembered when they lived in Mississippi there was an old graveyard in the forest behind their home and her son Clint went to town and bought flags to put on the graves of all the Veterans in the cemetery. “Clint was always a patriotic boy and he wanted to serve. After his death we attended a memorial service for him in South Carolina and while we were gone his brother went to the North Ogden cemetery and placed flags on all of the Veteran’s graves there. Freedom is never free. Clint made the choice to join the army when he was 19. Clint leaves behind his wife and a 7 year old son and 3 year old daughter. I am grateful for these young men and women who serve,” said Rosemary.
Clint’s sister Amy spoke next, she said it was a difficult thing to do, but she was grateful for the opportunity to pay tribute to their hero, Clint. She said her brother was a great example and an Army Chaplain said that in life, we honor the flag and in death the flag honors those soldiers who gave their all.
Clint believed in what he was doing in offering children with no dreams and no hopes a new future in Iraq.
Clint’s dad, Dan spoke to the audience, he described Clint as a boy who loved sports, Star Wars and the San Diego Padres. “He was an Eagle Scout and an excellent student. He wanted to serve, his Grandpa Ferrin was in the navy and another grandpa was a medic in New Guinea. He grew up with gratitude for his country and wanted to serve. He became a paratrooper which he loved and was good at. Clint’s commander said he was a go to guy, someone they could always rely on when they needed a job done.,” said Dan.
Dan mentioned the final letter that Clint’s wife Melinda had sent to the soldiers who served with Clint. She said her husband was proud and honored to serve with his friends and he died with his friends so she can enjoy the comforts of America; he died fighting for those rights.
Charlie Flynn, Clint’s sergeant, wrote back saying that Clint possessed two great attributes; his love of his family and his reputation as a good man and a friend to comrades. “We were blessed to have him in our midst.”
Dan said, “I know there are those opposed to this war, but those there know it is the right thing. We need to stand united and support them there in freeing people from oppression. When we vote we need to stand up for what is right and the values and morals that continue to make our country strong. Thanks for what you’ve done here this night.”
A slideshow was presented throughout the program depicting pictures of children, soldiers and Americans fighting for freedom and showing patriotism for America. King read a tribute to those who died in the September 11 terrorist attacks. “God will watch over our country as we look to him and keep freedoms light forever burning bright,” said King.