Emery County Veterans hosted a program at the Veterans monument in Castle Dale on Nov. 11. The program began at 11 a.m. the same time World War I officially ended. Clifford Snow conducted the program. Everyone recited the pledge of allegiance followed by a military medley of songs by the Castle Dale Elementary students.
Jeannie Baggs presented two original songs she had written. One put the words of the pledge of allegiance to song and the other was a song honoring veterans. “Who are these brave ones? Do we know the sacrifice you’ve given for our great nation. Many are wounded mentally, physically, spiritually. Can we help you heal with a helping hand. Reach out to you in gratitude, to help you from our hearts. You’ve answered the call to keep America free. You stand among us returned from battle. Do we even know who you are. Our American veteran protects our world. Who are these brave ones walking among us. Our American veterans, we love and honor you.
Commissioner Keith Brady spoke to the audience. He said he felt words were inadequate to express the feelings and meaning of Veteran’s Day. He played a song written by Toby Keith after the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Courtesy of the red, white and blue. “Recognize that a lot of men died so we could sleep in peace at night when we lay down our heads. My daddy served in the army where he lost his right eye, he flew a flag out in his yard till the day that he died so we could live in this country, in the land of the free. Stand up and salute and recognize he wanted my mother, my brother, my sister and me, to live in the land of the free.”
Commissioner Brady said his grandpa served in WWII. He flew B25 and B26s. They served so we could grow up and live happy in the land of the free. “The younger generation has taken advantage of the freedoms. I didn’t realize what we had here until I served a mission to South Korea. I missed my family, but I think I missed my country more. The freedoms we have here. I appreciate our country. I think patriotism can be learned and should be taught in our homes. America is exceptional. When I was young, my brothers and I loved superheroes. We loved Wonder Woman, one time my grandparents told us that show was about them. My grandmother twirled around like Wonder Woman, and my grandfather went upstairs and put on his uniform to show us he was Major Steve Trevor.
“Veterans are our heroes, they fight for truth and justice. Thank you for your service and God bless America and its people,” said Commissioner Brady.
Sarah Swasey sang a patriotic song about the heroes who defend our nation. “Come home with honor and pride with your heads held high. Come home from the lands afar.”
Red Hess led the Honor Guard in the raising of the flags. The Honor Guard then gave a 21 gun salute and TAPS was played by Mandie Price.
Veteran’s Day program at the monument
"Red Hess, Earl Nelson, Sam Wilbanks and Jim Edginton."