The local Veterans participated on Memorial Day in the cemeteries throughout the county. They presented flag ceremonies, a 21 gun salute and words of patriotism to those attending. At the Huntington ceremony, city councilman Gerry Livingston thanked everyone for coming. He said the scouts had put 187 flags on the graves for the Veterans in the Huntington cemetery. Livingston thanked the Veterans for the programs they present each Memorial Day.
Commander Ray Quinn thanked the Veterans who have fought in the wars and gave their all. Some perished, some were wounded and all were affected in some way. “Don’t forget Old Glory and what she stands for,” said Quinn. He said that Fausett’s Mortuary had donated the sound system for the cemetery programs.
Gary Kofford, from Fausett Mortuary said he has followed the Veterans around to the cemeteries all morning. He said he has respected and looked up to these men his entire life and thanked them for the examples they have been and for fighting for our country. “These Veterans are the cement that holds our county together. These Veteran’s go out all year long, when a Veteran passes then they are there to honor them. I wish to express my love and appreciation for all the great work they do in our community,” said Kofford.
Quinn thanked those taking care of Huntington Cemetery for placing flags throughout the cemetery. Jennie Olson was on hand to recite the poem about the poppies of Flanders Field and to sell poppies to raises funds for local Veteran programs.
Quinn read the Ragged Old Flag accompanied on the guitar by Eldon Holmes. Scouts Kody Holmes, John Birch and Tex Stowe helped with the flag ceremonies in the cemeteries.
The Veterans at Huntington included: Ira Hatch, Fon Leamaster, George Wilberg, Owen Olsen, Mar Grange, Jim (James) Nelsen, Max Larsen, Bert Leamaster, Mac Sitterud and Ray Quinn.
Veterans gathering in Ferron, Molen and Castle Dale included: the honor guard from Post 42 with Major Marvin Gardner, Lou Sansevero, Mandy Price, Earl Nelson, Don Petersen, Lon DeLange, Marvin Gardner, “Red” Hess, Dennis Nelson, Kent Petersen, George Hendrickson, Clifford Snow, and Sam Singleton. Marvin is the oldest living vet in Emery County and served in three wars including WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Singleton presented a moving tribute to Memorial Day and Veterans.
Lou Sansevero said, “On behalf of the Legionnaires of American Legion Post 42, I’d like to thank all the citizens of Emery County who joined us on Memorial Day as we honored the deceased veterans resting in the Ferron, Molen, Clawson, and Castle Dale cemeteries. For those that couldn’t make it, we missed you. For anyone who maybe wondering “Why should I have attended, what’s in it for me?” please read this poem by Charles M. Province, cut it out and tape it to your bathroom mirror; I think it answers both questions and may help you remember next year why you should take a few minutes out to attend and honor these deceased veterans at next year’s honors and what’s in it for you.
It Is The Soldier
It is the Soldier, not the minister who has given us freedom of religion. It is the Soldier, not the reporter who has given us freedom of the press. It is the Soldier, not the poet who has given us freedom of speech. It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer
who has given us freedom to protest. It is the Soldier, not the lawyer
who has given us the right to a fair trial. It is the Soldier, not the politician
who has given us the right to vote. It is the Soldier who salutes the flag,
who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
who allows the protester to burn the flag.
Veterans present ceremonies throughout county
"Post 42 with Major Marvin Gardner in center with walker, Lou Sansevero, Mandy Price, Earl Nelson, Don Petersen, Lon DeLange, "Red" Hess, Dennis Nelson, Kent Petersen, George Hendrickson, Clifford Snow, and Sam Singleton"