Return from Honor Flight

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

Ferron resident Dennis Nelson takes trip of a lifetime
Dennis Nelson recently returned from Honor Flight. The flight took him to Washington DC to view the World War II memorial as well as other famous war memorials and monuments.
He shared the story of his trip with the Ferron American Legion and ladies auxiliary at their opening social.
Nelson said he was so proud to represent the people of Emery County back in Washington. “I appreciate the friendship of everyone and their support. I appreciate the opportunity to get together with all of you.
“The Honor Flight was very fulfilling. We were treated with such respect wherever we went. At the airports people wished us well and they thanked us. It was really touching to me. I thought about those who aren’t with us and those who died in the wars. We honor all of those men and women. At the Mall in Washington DC we viewed all the memorials. We viewed the names on there and many we knew and are now gone. My brothers are gone. We went to Arlington National Cemetery.
“We toured Washington DC. Very impressive to me was the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the changing of the guard. They did this with such precision. They must practice a lot and they change the guard, several times each day. This was very impressive to me. We visited Sen. Hatch and Rep. Rob Bishop came out to shake our hands. I received the World War II Victory Medal. When we came back into St. George we were escorted by the police and sirens were going and a big crowd of people when we came off the bus.
“My two brothers were there and my sister and some nieces and nephews. It was a very touching, fine experience. I appreciate all your friendships,” said Nelson.
He was asked when he entered the service. He was 18 at the time and the year was 1944. His brothers had been in the war, but Nelson was in for 18 months and they got the job done and the war ended. His duties took him to Norman, Okla. And to the Great Lakes where he was a first class seaman. He went to radio tech school in Chicago and back to Norman, Okla. Where he was an aviation machinist mate. Their company was sent to California where he did assembly repair.
He was released on Aug. 14 and married his wife Clarice on Aug. 24. Nelson is a retired educator who served as Superintendent of Schools for Emery County.
Nelson worked in and owned sawmills for much of his young life.
He taught in schools in Carbon County before being named as Superintendent in the Emery School District.
He and his wife Clarice were married for 59 years. He is currently married to Martha.
“My trip on the Honor Flight has given me a new appreciation for our country,” said Nelson.
Jo Sansevero, thanked Nelson for his time in the service of his country. Clifford Snow mentioned there are 18 burials a day at Arlington.